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2001-02 World Cup Standings
1. Heikki Sorsa, Finland
2. Risto Matilla, Finland
3. Magnus Sterner, Sweden
4. Iker Fernandez, Spain
5. Guillaume Morrisset, Canada
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RESIDENCE Helsinki, Finland
GENDER Male
DATE OF BIRTH 10 FEB 1982
PLACE OF BIRTH Helsinki
HEIGHT 1.75m (5'9")
WEIGHT 66kg (145lbs)
DISCIPLINE Snowboard
EVENTS Men's Halfpipe
COUNTRY Finland
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Olympic Contender, Heikki Sorsa
The halfpipe competition begins on February 11, one day after Heikki Sorsa (pronounced HIE-kee), turns 20 years old. Sorsa hopes to repeat his winning performance at a 2001 World Cup contest held at the Olympic venue in Park City, when he defeated American Olympic bronze medalist Ross Powers, among others in an Olympic-caliber field. It was not the first World Cup victory for the Sorsa, who had won the halfpipe event in Sapporo, Japan, a month prior to his Park City victory. He also picked up his third career World Cup victory in January 2002 in Alpe d'Huez, France, and was in second place in the World Cup halfpipe standings, by virtue of a first-place, second-place and sixth-place finish this season. He placed 15th in the halfpipe event at the 2001 FIS World Championships, his first senior worlds, and won the 2001 junior world title.
Sorsa was originally a skier until he saw snowboarding in 1994 and said, "That's for me." He hasn't been on skis since.
Heikki Sorsa was voted 7th Best Pro-Snowboarder in the world, according to the SnowboardNetwork. He recieved 6% of the popular vote. Danny Kass was ranked first.
The show, however, belonged to the newest Burton rookie from Finland. Heikki Sorsa was determined to soar the highest on this rainy day in Oslo. At 29 feet this is by far the highest jump ever achieved on a completely straight hit QP. Unfortunately, it was not high enough to win the $24,000 gold Oakley watch that was on the line for anyone who could clear 30 feet. Some say he should have gotten the watch anyways but TWS photo editor Embry Rucker said it best, “If there was a bell sitting at 30 feet, then he wouldn’t have won it. “
Heikki would not go away without a smile on his face. As compensation Oakley gave the Finnish champion an all expense paid, week long trip anywhere in the world. When asked where he is going, he said with a smile “Hawaii!” The kid was stoked. And besides, what in the world would a 19-year-old kid do with a watch worth 24 grand?