Already with two FIS World Cup top 5 finishes behind her this season, this weekend Lesley McKenna (27, Aviemore) swapped the heavy snowfalls of Whisler for the sunshine of Calefornia, where she participated in the highly competitive Chevy Truck US Snowboard Grand Prix, in Mammoth Mountain Resort.

Although not a FIS World Cup, the event had attracted the cream of the Scandinavian and Japanese riders, who are regulars among half-pipe¹s competitive elite and a whole host of American stars, all vying to secure their Olympic start with a strong performance.

In the first of the two competitions (14/12/01) McKenna finished 11th, missing the final which was dominated by Americans and won by Nagano bronze Olympic medallist, Shannon Dunn.

For the 2nd event (16/12/01), Lesley was prepared for the challenge set by the Americans and put in the strongest run in qualification, tying on points with Dunn, but gaining advantage in the final by virtue of her superior overall impression marks.

In the closely contested final, McKenna finished in 4th, missing out on the podium by 0.1 of a point. Dunn took victory for a second time and with it a guaranteed ticket to Salt Lake City, fellow countryman Byrnes took second, and Nagano Silver medallist Kjeldaas took third.

A delighted Mckenna said, "This has been a really great trip. I have put in some great qualifying runs and I have proved that I can be the best on the day. I will have a short break now, but I¹m feeling really positive about the events in the New Year."

The Team were delighted to have the assistance of Stevie Mutch of the Scottish Institute of Sport, who has been of significant help in developing fitness and pre competition warm up routines.

McKenna was also buoyed by the return to competition of her friend and training partner, Melanie Leando. Melanie, who has focussed on training only recently, while recovering from head injury, was pleased to begin her recovery with two very respectable qualifying runs.

RESULTS
Chevy Truck US Snowboard Grand Prix, Mammoth
Women's Half-pipe, 16th December 2001
1. DUNN, Shannon (USA) 38.2
2. BYRNES, Tricia (USA) 36.7
3. KJELDAAS, Stine (NOR) 34.4
4. McKENNA, Lesley (GBR) 34.3

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