Campbell River’s Teal Harle was back on the podium last week, claiming the silver medal in freestyle snowboarding in the seventh annual Dumont Cup competition at the Sunday River Resort in Newry, Maine.
En route to his runner-up finish against an elite international field, Harle bested the reigning Olympic gold medalist and finished just one point behind freestyle legend Bobby Brown.
Harle, still in his Grade 12 year, continued a strong season on the slopes with the result. He won two gold medals at the Canada Winter games, a gold medal at the Snow Crown, silver medals at the Aspen Open in Colorado, at the Canadian open in Calgary, and now the Dumont Cup. He also attended the World Cup event in Switzerland.
“Going to school at Podium of Life Snow Sports Academy has made all the difference,” said Harle. “I have been able to balance my school with all my training and get it done.”
The program, hosted at Whistler, is designed so that athletes do not have to compromise their education while they pursue their athletic dreams. Teal, the first graduate, is a proven product of this unique program. He has achieved top results in skiing and will graduate with honours. Upon his return to the school, he will coach at the Academy, while completing grade 12 courses as prerequisites for university.
Harle will get one more try at the podium this season — on his home hill — in the season-ending World Ski and Snowboard Festival at Whistler April 10-19.