Olympic Team Spot in Sight for High-Flying Long Valley Teen

Every twist, every turn, every bone bruising crash landing has all been for this moment. 

“Jersey” Mike Rossi is currently on his final break before the World Cup season begins, a set of competitions that will decide who makes the United States Ski team to compete at the Winter Olympics in Socchi, Russia.

Rossi, the Long Valley teen who has spent his entire adolescence practicing as a member of the United States Freestyle Ski team, has been aiming for this opportunity for years.

According to Rossi’s mother, Barbara Rossi, the United States may be sending just one Aerials skier to the Olympics, making for an intense competition, which ends on January 18, 2014. The opening ceremony is less than three weeks later, Rossi said.

Rossi will be competing in five World Cup competitions between December and January, including:

• Beida Lake, China: Dec. 15
• Beijing, China: December 22
• Deer Valley, Park City, Utah: January 10
• Val St. Come, Quebec, Canada: January 14
• Lake Placid, New York: January 17-18

The summer was full of adventure for Rossi, who was the top U.S. finisher (6th place overall) in Mettmenstetten, Switzerland competing in a FIS water ramp competition, Barbara Rossi said.

The aerialist performed a slew of tricks in the Flying Ace All Stars show in Utah as well.

Rossi qualified with a double, full-full-full jump and worked on his other triple flips during the summer season as well.

Supporters can follow Rossi on Facebook by the name Jersey Mike, on Twitter, @jerseymikeflips, on YouTube with jerseymikeaerials, or on his website,www.jerseymikeaerials.com.