Billy Morgan has been in the snowboarding world for many years but is still a star throughout the UK. He was the first ever to land the quad cork 1800 (https://youtu.be/kBYzGl-yIKM). He is setting his goals this winter olympics on GOLD. He is focusing his time on qualifying for the slopestyle competition.Billy has been creating a new national pride within the U.K. snowboarding culture and within the winter sports world. Sadly in 2015, he tore his ACL and worked super hard to get back into to Olympic shape. He does feel ready to compete at the highest level and be able to take home the gold medal.
Very interesting piece on Billy Morgan. Its really important for action sports like snowboarding to have international stars. Action sport athletes talk so much about progression and evolving the sports. Billy Morgan's status allows for the possibility of rapid growth for snowboarders in the U.K.
ResponderEliminarGreat read. I think the most important point touched upon here was the fact that having sports stars brings not only a sense of national pride, but it also creates a new interest in that sport among the youth. This opens up new markets for the sports and expands the sport as a business entity. This allows industries, such as snowboarding, to sell merchandise, TV rights, etc. to a new group of consumers. I think this is one of the reasons successful athletes from countries where their sport isn's as popular become so famous because many sponsors are interested in sponsoring them to open up their sales to a new fan-base/country. ~ Eliza
ResponderEliminarI think the point of national pride is one of the most interesting and key points in his story. When a whole country gets behind an athlete, it's almost exaggerated when they're injured. The fans get behind the athlete and their recovery, which tends to make their comeback and success an even bigger deal. I think that is the really cool part of a story like this
ResponderEliminar- Libby
I think it is so incredible that he has been able to get back into the sports and recovery from his ACL injury completely. Growing up snowboarding, I know how much it takes out of your body, especially your knees. I also know how long ACL recovery takes and how easy it is after the fact to tear it again which makes it incredible that Billy Morgan is able to compete at the Olympic level again and hasn't had to worry about another tear. I definitely will be paying more attention to his performances in the future and keep note on any of the next "firsts" he is able to achieve in the snowboarding world.
ResponderEliminar-Courtney Amiot