Snowboarder Greg Bretz Going to 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver

Greg Bretz, 19, has already been shredding the snowboard slopes in his hometown of Mammoth Lakes, CA, and elsewhere around the world. Over the last couple of years, he has placed strong in the World Cup and in the U.S. Snowboarding Grand Prix. The 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games run from February 12 to 28.

Greg Bretz's Halfpipe Record

This will be the first Olympics appearance for Bretz. He only started competing in the World Cup in 2008, which is when he made the U.S. Snowboarding team. He took a World Cup win during that first year of pro boarding, plus two second place World Cups at the Chevy US Grand Prix and the USASA Series. Bretz is definitely a guy to watch on the halfpipe course in Vancouver.

Bretz Falls Short in Halfpipe Finals

Greg Bretz wasn't able to put it together in the halfpipe finals. His disappointing runs landed him in 12th place. Two other Americans, however, finished with medals. As expected, Shaun White wowed the crowd with his second gold medal performance in a row. Scott Lago put down a solid run to win the bronze.

What is Halfpipe Snowboarding?

Halfpipe snowboarding is a competition where each boarder performs a series of tricks and maneuvers in an area shaped like a pipe cut in half the long way. A panel of judges grades style and difficulty to give the rider a score.

Bretz will join three other halfpipe teammates on the 2010 U.S. Snowboarding Team, including superstar Shaun White of Carlsbad, CA, Scotty Lago, Seabrook, NH, and Louie Vito, Sandy, UT.

Sources: U.S. Snowboarding, 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Games, Red Bull.