Deer Valley names aerials lift in honor of late ‘Speedy’ Peterson

By Published On: February 2nd, 2012Comments Off on Deer Valley names aerials lift in honor of late ‘Speedy’ Peterson

On the eve of the Visa Freestyle International World Cup, Deer Valley Resort has renamed its freestyle aerials tow lift “The Hurricane” in memory of the late Jeret “Speedy” Peterson.

The tow is used to shuttle aerials athletes to the top of the jump for the annual International Ski Federation World Cup. The 2010 Olympic silver medalist in freestyle aerials, Peterson won two of his seven World Cups at Deer Valley including setting a world record two-jump score of 268.70 in January of 2007 landing his trademark Hurricane – three flips and five twists.

“This week is about remembering Speedy and honoring him,” said Peterson’s longtime teammate and friend Emily Cook. “We’ll unveil this sign today that will name our lift after him. For me, having it up there to rememer him every round will be pretty nice.”

Peterson, who tragically took his own life in July after longtime battles with depression and alcohol abuse, last performed the Hurricane at the 2010 Winter Olympics to earn the silver medal.   

“In everyone’s life there’s a time when a person comes into your life and is truly memorable,” said Deer Valley President and General Manager Bob Wheaton. “For me personally, and for all of us at Deer Valley, Speedy was one of those people His charisma was unmistakeable, his energy was unmatched and what he did on the field of play was pretty darned incredible. The Hurricane was his favorite trick, he landed it here, so we thought naming the lift that all of the aerialists take to get back up to the top of the inrun in his honor.”

Peterson’s friends and family have started The Speedy Foundation in his memory as a non-profit organization dedicated to understanding mental illness, preventing suicide and fighting stigma through education, research, and advocacy.

Image by Gepa

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About the Author: Eric Williams