Professional snowboarder Kevin Pearce went from chasing his older brothers on the snowy mountains of Vermont to competing against the best in the world. He has won medals in the X-Games and many other international tournaments. He missed out on the 2010 Winter Olympics because of a severe injury suffered during practice.
Growing Up
Kevin Pearce grew up the youngest of four boys in snowy Norwich, Vermont. At 5 years old, he developed an interest in the relatively new sport, receiving his first snowboard from family friend Jake Burton, founder of Burton Snowboards. Pearce's supportive parents built him a practice ramp in the backyard that allowed him to practice tricks on his snowboard in the winter and skateboard in the summer. He spent most of his time with his brothers on this ramp, developing his skills. His brother, David, who has Down syndrome, would also practice with him and eventually became an accomplished athlete in the Special Olympics.
Going Pro
After finishing his senior year at Hanover High School in Hanover, New Hampshire, Pearce decided to give professional snowboarding a try despite pressure from his parents to go to college. Pearce admits he never liked school because of his dyslexia, which runs in his family. His career quickly took off, and he soon found himself competing against some of the best snowboarders in the world. In 2008 and 2009, he defeated Shaun White at the Burton European Open on the halfpipe and nearly beat him again in the 2008 X-Games. He also became the first athlete to compete in three different medal events in one day at the 2008 X-games.
Head Injury
While training in Utah in 2009, Pearce suffered a severe head injury on the halfpipe. He was practicing "Cab Double Cork" trick in preparation to try out for the U.S. Olympic team. He fell while landing on the 22-foot high ice-carved halfpipe. Despite wearing a helmet, he suffered serious brain trauma. The accident happened just three weeks after he had suffered a concussion from a similar accident while practicing in Colorado. He remained in critical condition for several months at The University of Utah Hospital. In January 2010, Pearce began to slowly recover. His breathing tubes were removed. In March 2010, he was moved to Craig Hospital in Denver for neuro rehabilitation. In May 2010, he was able to go home to Vermont to continue his rehabilitation and physical therapy. His brain functions, eyesight and speech all have improved. He is able to get around and even play some sports such as golf. Doctors say his recovery will be at least a two-year process. He does plan to snowboard again.
Frends
Pearce is a founding member of "Frends." The letter "i" is purposely left out because the members believe there should be no individuals in the snowboarding. They started the group to promote friendships in snowboarding, rather than focusing on who is the best in the sport. The group originally included Danny Davis, Jack Mitrani, Luke Mitrani, Keir Dillon, Mason Aguirre and Scotty Lago. Pearce's injuries and recovery have inspired many more snowboarders and athletes to bond together as "Frends."
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