Matt

DePeters

EVENT - FREESTYLE SKIING, AERIALS

HEIGHT 5'7"     WEIGHT 150 lbs

Olympic Experience

• 2010 Olympic Winter Games - 17th

Career Highlights

• 2009: First World Cup in Lake Placid, NY - 21st Aerials

Quick Facts

Team Years: 2
Club: Buffalo Ski Club
Equipment: Elan, Tecnica, Salomon, Pro-Tec

The son of a former freestyle skier, Matt DePeters used to skip racing practice to hit jumps. The aerialist couldn't have been more thrilled when, at the age of 9, his father started the freestyle program at the Buffalo Ski Club. The youngest athlete there, DePeters loved practicing with the older crowd because he knew keeping up with them would help him to progress.

DePeters went big with his first year of triple flips in 2009. According to coaches, it was the first taste he had to recognize what it is going to take to be the world's best. Training this summer in Lake Placid, DePeters has a new attitude and plans on making a statement on the World Cup next year. He will also be ready to step up and fill the spots that open up after the Olympics.

DePeters started his Olympic campaign strong, taking the final spot on the podium in the 2010 winter season World Cup opener at the Utah Olympic Park. DePeters continued to show consistency, posting two other top 15 results leading up to Vancouver.

FIRST TRACKS

On skis by the age of two, DePeters remembers skiing as fast as he could and going off any bump or jump he could find. His parent's said he was an out of control skier, but he says otherwise.

I AM

Big into golf and skateboarding, but not at the same time...Digs fly fishing thanks to his grandfather...Mom's a music teacher so he picked up guitar...Rocks classic rock and the Dave Mathews Band...Enjoys eating at swanky restaurants when he can afford it...The oldest of three brothers...Likes hanging out with his girlfriend.

Image by USSA