8-year-old freestyle snowboarder hits double back flip
A pint-sized Canadian freestyle snowboarder has broken the record for the youngest person to throw a double backflip. At 8-years-old, Eli Bouchard completed the feat at a Quebec freestyle sports school.
After hours and hours of practice and attempts, the young snowboarder was able to hit his first double backflip at Mount Castor. The event took place in the fresh powder of the Saint-Agathe-des-Monts region of Canada.
In a video posted on YouTube, Bouchard tells the viewers how he worked towards the accomplishment. With his Iron Man snowboard in hand, he talks about the feat.
Bouchard attempts the trick multiple times and slams hard into the snow each time. Despite landing awkwardly, he gets back up and tries it again – and again. It is clear he has mastered getting solid straight air and even nails a single backflip. In the exciting culmination of the video, he gathers himself and finally hits the double.
Bouchard trains at Maximise – a freestyle school started by former snowboard professional Maxime Henault. In addition to Bouchard and other youngsters, Henault has worked with Canadian snowboarding professionals Sébastien Toutant and Mark McMorris Maxence Parrot.
Bouchard isn’t the only young man to capture the world’s attention from Maximise. In April, 5-year old Rafaël Bernier was able to complete all four 180 and 360 variations on his snowboard. See more about his story here.
For British snowboarders, there are plenty of places in the country to practice and hone their freestyle skills. And after all that hard work, there is no choice but to take those skills the Alps where families can enjoy the adventure whilst staying in a luxury ski chalet in Meribel or other popular ski destinations.
British Ski and Snowboard actively supports freestyle athlete development in the country. There are teams, competitions and sites dedicated to hitting the best tricks and rides the sport has to offer.
Image Credit: John Lemieux (flickr.com)