Born: 1983 (Newport, Rhode Island)
Biography:
Kelly Clark is an American snowboarder who has made significant contributions to the sport throughout her career. Born on July 26, 1983, in Newport, Rhode Island, Clark’s journey in snowboarding began at a young age. She started snowboarding when she was only 7 years old, displaying natural talent and a true passion for the sport.
As Clark continued to progress in her snowboarding skills, she made her way into the competitive scene in 1999. Just a year later, in 2000, she earned a coveted spot on the US Snowboard team. This marked a turning point in her career, as it allowed her to train with and compete against the best snowboarders in the world.
In 2002, Clark achieved a remarkable milestone in her career by winning the gold medal in women’s halfpipe at the Winter Olympics. This victory not only solidified her status as one of the top snowboarders in the world but also brought attention to the sport itself. Clark’s success at the Winter Olympics paved the way for the growth and popularity of snowboarding on a global scale.
She continued to compete in the halfpipe event at the 2006 Winter Olympics, finishing fourth. Despite not reaching the podium, Clark’s dedication and skill were evident in her performance. She returned to the Winter Olympics in 2010, where she won a bronze medal in the halfpipe event.
Apart from her Olympic achievements, Clark also made a mark in the TTR World Tour. In the 2007/2008 season, she secured eight podium finishes out of twelve contest entries, including five TTR Titles. These victories included the 6Star Burton European Open, the 5Star Chevrolet Grand Prix, and the 6Star season-ending Roxy Chicken Jam US. In the 2008/2009 World Tour season, she clinched the Swatch TTR World Snowboard Tour Champion title.
Clark’s training and commitment to her craft took place at Mount Snow Academy in Vermont, where she honed her skills and graduated in 2001. Throughout her career, she remained based in Mammoth Lakes, California, a hub for snowboarding and a place where she could continue to push the boundaries of the sport.
Beyond her accomplishments on the snow, Clark openly expresses her Christian faith. She proudly rides with a sticker on her snowboard that proclaims her love for Jesus. In her 2017 memoir Inspired, she discusses her faith and shares lessons learned from her journey as a professional snowboarder.
Awards:
– Olympic gold medal in women’s halfpipe at the 2002 Winter Olympics
– Bronze medal in women’s halfpipe at the 2010 Winter Olympics
– Best Female Action Sports Athlete ESPY Award in 2015
Kelly Clark’s impressive career and contributions to snowboarding have not only left a lasting impact on the sport but have also made her a role model for aspiring athletes. Her dedication, skill, and faith have helped inspire a new generation of snowboarders, both on and off the slopes.