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1st Annual Queen of the Mountain
by Ginny Story
SG Surf Snow Skate Girl Magazine presented its 1st Annual Queen of the Mountain snowboard contest on February 22, 2003, at Mountain High Resort in Wrightwood, California. The first-ever standalone professional/amateur snowboard event brought athletes together to support each other and push their limits.
"It was so [much] fun to have an all-female competition," said first-place winner Vicci Miller. "Mountain High was very accommodating to the riders. Everyone was friendly and it was just more relaxed than most competitions I've attended. Even though the competition was tight and everyone was doing their best, there was a very happy and upbeat atmosphere."
Dresden Howell
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Second-place pro winner Laura Hadar commented, "Overall, women's snowboarding needs a place to come together and progress. I see the Queen of the Mountain just getting bigger and bigger every year, with more girls competing and doing better tricks."
In attendance at the event were top professional snowboarders Jessica Dalpiaz, Erin Comstock, Jonnel Janewicz, Laura Hadar, Leslee Olson, Sara Osterberg, Macy Price, Roberta Rodger, Amber Stackhouse, Katrina Voutilainen, and others. The crowds filled the bleachers to watch the riders outdo themselves. "The girls were really stepping it up and throwin' it down on the slopes today. Girls are now closing the gap between the guys and the girls," said judge Chris Carson.
Laurie Currier takes 1st place Amateur
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"I am so glad that there was an all-girls event-we need to have more of them," added Laurie Currier, who took first place in the amateur division. "I think that snowboarding girls can do any trick, any jump...accomplish anything on the board. If you believe that you can do it, you can do it!"
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