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SOCHI — The first Olympics event for U.S. snowboarder Justin Reiter didn't go as he planned.
The only American competing in the Parallel Giant Slalom, an event where racers turn in and out of flags, Reiter came in 24th during the qualifying rounds, and only the top 16 racers advance.
“Overall, it was a tough day,” he said. “(I’m) not kind of bummed, (I’m) pretty bummed about my performance. (I) really had hoped for better. I know I can be a medal contender.”
Reiter’s mother, Brenda, made the trip to Russia and said seeing her son compete on the world stage was a thrilling feeling.
“He’s worked so hard since he was 10 years old,” she said. “To see him up there on that mountain pulling out of the gate, it was just wonderful.”
Losing can be a lonely feeling, but Reiter is lonely because he’s the only American athlete in his event.
"Yeah, it's been really hard,” he said. “Everybody talks about the stray dogs of Sochi, well, I kind of feel like one myself. Being with Team USA over all has been great, but still, being the sole representative for the U.S. in one sport (is) kind of isolated, for sure."
After his disappointing run, Reiter said he ran into fans who requested their pictures with him — an experience where he started to smile a little bit remembering that, no matter where he finished, he is still an Olympian.
“Today's disappointment bums me out,” he said. “I'm sure I'll get over it and refocus, but I am here. I did make it. (I) sacrificed a lot to be here, and so, I can be proud of myself and I'm trying my best to enjoy and so far, I have."
Reiter competes in one more event on Saturday. He said he's hoping to do much better in the regular snowboarding parallel slalom.
