I was surprised to see Roxy skier Michelle Manning in Kirkwood for the North American Freeskiing Championships. After falling during her qualifying run in Snowbird, the Alta patroller declared that she is over competing and would be spending her energy instead on photo and film shoots. In the weeks between the contests, however, Manning had a change of heart, largely, she says, because of the prodding she got from her friends.

Perhaps most significant among those offering words of encouragement is Roxy Mountain Project scout Sue Larson, Manning’s de facto team manager. It’s a testament to Larson’s powers of persuasion that Manning not only showed up, but rebounded from her paltry finish at the Bird with strong and confident skiing. She cracked the top 10 (9th overall), and finished higher than any of the other half-dozen girls Larson brought to Kirkwood. Well, higher than all but one. Larson herself donned a bib and finished just ahead of Manning, in 8th.