After three failed attempts, the two-time Olympic gold medalist and defending world champion has been dethroned. Russia’s Yelena Isinbayeva did not clear the women’s pole vault. Yes, it is true. She was unable to clear the pole vault three times over. Clearing 15 feet 7 inches, Poland’s Anna Rogowska conquered and finalized Isinbayeva’s winning streak. Could an American challenge the new champion? It’s possible. If Pennsylvania native and freeskier Kristi Leskinen put her mind to it, she could be the next President of the United States.
Back in the day, Kristi Leskinen learned to pole vault two weeks before Regionals and represented her high school in the State Championships. Thinking back to senior year of high school…who had time to pick up a new sport, overthrow peers, and rightfully compete in a State Championship? Your senior class All-American, homecoming and prom queen, that’s who.
Secret’s out – you yearned to be Kristi Leskinen in high school and because it’s easier than walking the walk, your goal was to sit at her lunch table. Lucky you. No really, you’re lucky. A few days ago, The Ski Channel sat down with the freeskiing goddess. Her beauty may arouse idolization, but this goddess is no diva. In fact, the ‘tell it like it is’ powerhouse athlete offers a fresh perspective while staying true to herself. Ms. Leskinen selflessly offers real reasons to back up the role model status her pursuit of glory inevitably affords her.
Traditionally, skiers have performed extremely well on ABC’s show “The Superstars”. Congratulations Ms. Leskinen! She recently became the latest winner of the hit ABC show, “The Superstars”, with the help of professional dancer Maksim Chmerkovskiy. The dynamic duo defeated Bode Miller and Paige Hemmis in the show’s final obstacle course. Former winners of “The Superstars” include both skiers, Hermann Maier and Jeremy Bloom.
Keep an eye out for the original Ski Channel production about this Mammoth Mountain advocate, but in the mean time, check out Kristi Leskinen’s beautiful jewelry line or her innovative contest.
