The athletes in the US Open Big Air competition always put on quite a show, and tonight was no exception. A total of 39 athletes were entered and were allowed 2 runs each to determine the top 8 that would advance to finals. After throwing a perfect switch ten tail, Mike Clarke barely edged his way in to the eighth spot. This allowed Clarke to move in to finals with fellow teammates Sammy Carlson and last year’s Big Air champion, Charles Gagnier. Sammy had the highest score on the board going in to finals, which matched him up with Clarke in the head to head final round. Athletes were only allowed one jump each in this the first round of finals. Clarke landed another smooth 10 with huge amplitude while Sammy had some trouble with his landing. Meanwhile, Charles Gagnier was matched up against Colby West and lost the battle after throwing his signature switch 10 octograb. Mike Clarke was up against Jossi Wells in the 2^nd round of finals and lost to Jossi in a good match. Clarke was consistent all night and in the consolation round for third place, he won against Russ Henshaw. This is Mike Clarke’s first US Open medal and he couldn’t be more excited. “Somehow I was able to keep my speed and land all my tricks tonight, said the elated Clarke. The crowd was awesome!”

You can check out Mike Clarke at next weekend’s Aspen Open.