Okemo Mountain School’s Valentine places second at Junior World Championships

LUDLOW—Okemo Mountain School snowboarder Anna Valentine (Class of ‘18) capped off a strong season with a second place victory in the FIS Junior World Snowboard Championships in Laax, Switzerland, on Monday, March 20. It was the second medal in two days for Valentine, as she also took the silver in the Swiss National Europa Cup on Sunday. Valentine has been on fire this year with two U.S. Revolution Tour podiums in slopestyle, at Waterville Valley, N.H., and in halfpipe at Mammoth Mountain, Calif. Also, she was invited to compete at Junior World’s in both disciplines.
“Okemo Mountain School is extremely proud of Anna and her accomplishments,” said Head Snowboard Coach Luke Bonang. “I couldn’t be more stoked for Anna! She has been a part of this program since she was a little mini-shredder at the age of 8. Now, eight years later, Anna is starting to come into her own in snowboarding and is making her mark in the sport, which is awesome to see and so very well deserved! Anna has a timeless style in her snowboarding and we are looking forward to seeing what the future has in store for her.”
“Anna is an incredible student-athlete whose drive for success on snow, is matched by her drive for success in the classroom,” said OMS Head of School Mariel Meringolo. “She balances her intensity and focus with a fun-loving, easy-going attitude. I believe that this rare combination is the key to her success.”
In two weeks, Valentine’s season will culminate with the 2017 USASA Nationals event at Copper Mountain, Colo., where she will compete in halfpipe and slopestyle events.