What happened to snowboarder Kevin Pearce?

A near-fatal injury in 2009 not only derailed Kevin Pearce’s Olympic snowboarding dreams, it also robbed him of his identity. Pearce was a star in the making as a 22-year-old when he suffered a horrific crash during a training run in Park City, Utah, that resulted in a traumatic brain injury.

Does Kevin Pearce still snowboard?

And he still have his love of snowboarding. While he doesn’t compete in a halfpipe anymore, Pearce still rides. At the X Games, he took part in the Special Olympics Unified Giant Slalom.

What kind of brain injury did Kevin Pearce have?

2009 Injury On December 31, 2009, Pearce was critically injured during training in Park City, Utah. He struck his head above the left eye halfway down the pipe during a half-pipe training run trying a maneuver called a cab double cork.

Are Shaun White and Kevin Pearce friends?

Although the pair later became fierce rivals, to the point that their friendship suffered, back in 2006, Shaun White and Kevin Pearce were pretty much still on the same page.

How long was Kevin Pearce unconscious?

His left eye socket was broken, and there was bleeding inside his head, the result of his brain being jostled with tremendous force. Pearce spent the next six days in a coma and the following months – and years – struggling with memory loss, vision problems, and mood swings.

Was Kevin Pearce wearing a helmet?

Although he was wearing a helmet, Pearce sustained a traumatic brain injury. He spent a month at the University of Utah Hospital before transferring to the Craig Hospital in Denver for rehabilitation.

How old is Kevin Pearce when he meets Shaun White?

Four years ago almost to this day, Kevin Pearce went snowboarding with his friends in Park City, Utah. Just part of the normal routine for the then 22-year-old, who was training for Vancouver and was on the brink of snowboarding superstardom.

Where was Kevin Pearce born?

Hanover, New Hampshire, United States
Kevin Pearce/Place of birth

How old is Kevin Pearce?

33 years (November 1, 1987)
Kevin Pearce/Age

Is Shaun White retired?

American snowboarder Shaun White, reigning three-time Olympic halfpipe champion, retired from the slopes on Thursday, qualifying for the discipline’s final in Aspen, Colorado, where a World Cup stopover takes place.

Will Shaun White compete in 2020?

Shaun White’s Tokyo 2020 skateboarding dream is over. He is ending his bid to take part in the sport’s Olympic Games debut at Tokyo 2020: the three-time Olympic champion in snowboard halfpipe says he will no longer attempt to qualify to compete in the Japanese capital.

What happens if Kevin Pearce gets on a snowboard?

Put simply, if Kevin gets on a snowboard again, he could die. Having spent two years supporting Kevin’s recovery and always mindful of the horror of seeing Kevin lifeless after his accident, the Pearces each make their case to Kevin, pleading with him to reconsider his decision to ride again.

Who is Kevin Pearce in the Crash Reel?

In THE CRASH REEL, Lucy Walker uses the intimacy and power of cinema verité to take us on an exhilarating ride through the life of Kevin Pearce, the American snowboarding champion who is preparing for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.

Who is the director of Kevin Pearce documentary?

Through 20 years of astounding action and verité footage, the documentary chronicles the epic rise of snowboarder Kevin Pearce which culminates in a life-changing crash and a comeback story with a difference. Directed by Oscar®-nominated filmmaker Lucy Walker.

When did Kevin Pearce fall off the slopes?

But on December 31, 2009, while riding the slopes of Park City, Utah in final training for the 2010 Winter Olympics, Kevin just misses his landing on a complicated trick and takes a hard fall.