Photo: Courtesy of Shay WIlliams

Name: Gus Kenworthy

Age: 17

Hometown: Telluride, Colorado

Sponsors: EMPIRE Attire, CoreUPT.com Skis, Smith Optics/Helmets, Skullcandy, and Telluride Sports

What were your thoughts on EMPIRE before joining the team? Empire's a really sick company that is based around the athletes, so the product is what the riders want to use.

Are your plans to compete this winter? Or film? Or both? Definitely both. I tried to split my schedule down the middle this past season, and I filmed a ton with Rage Films and got some footage I'm really stoked on. I want to try and do more pipe contests as well as slope though, and maybe focus a little more on the contests.

What do you think of Simon Dumont as a skier? Did you follow him growing up? Simon Dumont is one of, if not, the best skier ever. Of course I grew up idolizing him, watching his video parts over and over again, and his X Games performances and everything. It's pretty cool being totally star-struck by someone and then winding up on the same team as him.

Who's your favorite athlete outside of skiing? Probably Ryan Sheckler. I know that anytime that name is mentioned there is a lot of debate associated with it, but he's done so much for himself at such a young age. He won the X Games when he was 13, and has continued to dominate the skateboard street competition scene. And he always manages to put out sick video parts.

Who has the biggest influence on your skiing career? I guess my friends; they always push me to try new things.

Three things you have to have when you travel? My computer was broken all last year, and it was horrible traveling without it, so definitely my laptop. Other than that I'd have to say my iPod and basketball shorts.

Any shout outs? My mom, dad, and my family. All my sponsors, and my friends, thanks for the support! George for always filming me, even on perfect days when I know you want to shred!

 

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