Leslee Olson - Owner

Leslee comments on the 2002-03 boards:
“I ride the Grace 157 for just about all riding. It is a little longer for freshies and stuff. I ride it all around the mountain for everything like powder, jumps, rails, cliffs, butters, pipe and cruising. I ride the Inspirado 55 for halfpipe and park stuff too. I switch it up a lot. Right now I am riding my 157 because Tomo did my sticker stoke-out job for me and it looks way better than when i do it myself. I kinda think there is not so much difference-- just different construction. Whatever feels best for you. I don't think you can think about it too much. Just ride lots, have fun, keep pushing it, don't sweat the small stuff and dream so big. ”

- Leslee

About Leslee:
Dangerous isn’t a word in Leslee’s vocabulary. She doesn’t look at snowboarding like that. Winging her self off a big air jump that is 30 feet long while soaring 20 feet up in the air and performing aerial tricks just seems natural to Leslee. Known as an “all- around” rider, Leslee rides freestyle, boardercross, pipe, park, rails and big air, but prefers a beautiful quiet day in the backcountry. Born and raised in Bend, Oregon, Leslee practices her tricks at her home mountain, Mt. Bachelor.

At the young age of 23, Leslee’s impressive laundry list of accomplishments include her first-place win at the 2000 X-Games, 2nd-place at the ’99 X-Games, 1st-place and 2nd-place at the Vans Triple Crown, ’98 and ’99. She can be seen in videos and video games including the new Activision Sony PlayStation 2 game due for release for Christmas 01. Leslee was also recently featured on the Mandy Moore show and has been covered in zillions of magazines such as Fit Magazine, Transworld Snowboarding, Sports Illustrated for Women and Teen People. She can be seen in almost any Japanese magazine on the newsstand these days as well.

With a laundry list of injuries to go along with her accomplishments, including an airlift lifesaving emergency, Leslee doesn’t take life for granted. She has a passion for life and permeates with good energy. “I feel lucky to be alive and still riding,” Says Leslee. With a spiritual and positive outlook on life, Leslee avoids negative energy, negative people and says, “dream big and don’t sweat the small stuff.”

Also known for her grand sense of humor, Leslee likes to laugh. Even laughing when she falls when on her board, laughing is Leslee’s medicine. When asked what makes her laugh, she says, “Me!” “I laugh at everything, laughing is good for you.” When asked what makes her cry, she says, “I cry when I am sad for my family or friends. I laugh when I cry and I cry when I laugh. I’m emotional for sure!”

Leslee recalls riding handrails in the city of Utah with the Chorus team as her favorite day this season. Encouraging and helping young riders, Leslee donates her time over the summer at High Cascade Snowboard Camp as a guest coach. Inspired by Marion Jones, Jackie Joyner Kersee and Mia Hamm for doing so much for women in sports.

Leslee says anyone who is pushing the limits and doing something for women in sports is an inspiration to her. Sharing inspirational words for others wanting to push themselves at snowboarding, she says, “visualize it and want it more than anything.” Leslee hopes her future is as fulfilling as her life has been so far, “I want to have a family, keep snowboarding, take care of people, own a nursing home and tell everyone how cool God is!”

Sponsors: Chorus, Vans, DaKine, Activision, Mt. Bachelor, Boeri, Clif Bar, One Ball Jay Wax, Side Effect Snowboard Shop, Copia, Cup of Magic, and Athletic Club of Bend.
Favorite movie: Ace Ventura, Tommy Boy and Blue Crush
Favorite music: All Music
Her perfect day: Riding a powder jump with the Chorus girls on a sunny day and pushing each other, laughing and taking lots of good pictures. Also, a perfect day is a world where everyone is happy and smiling and there is love and peace everywhere.

Leslee's Accomplishments:
1st-place - 2000 X-Games, Boardercross
2nd-place – US Open, Boardercross
2nd-place – 99’ X-Games, Boardercross
3rd-place – 99’ Grandprix, Big Air
1st-place – 99’ Vans Triple Crown, Boardercross
2nd-place – 99’ Vans Triple Crown, Big Air
1st-place – Masters of the Board, Boardercross
World Champion, ’97 Junior Worlds, Big Air