It is Friday morning in Tahoe, CA where the next stop of the Snowboarding Grand Prix is underway. The qualifiers for halfpipe were delayed an hour but Louie Vito proved himself ready to compete following last week’s 2009 Winter X Games where he was boarding on a torn up ankle.

This week Vito is up against many of the same riders from last week’s X Games, along with a long list of other pro riders from all around the world. But don’t think for a moment that Louie is the underdog - He won the Grand Prix title last year and also won the 1st Grand Prix stop at Copper Mountain just a few weeks ago. And though he is dealing with some physical pain, Vito is on the hunt for another win.

Louie’s first run today was solid, proof that he is excited to brush off last week’s finals runs at the X Games and compete strong this weekend. With his signature style, Louie has tons of amplitude on every hit, and is definitely at the top of his game. The judges score his first run at 44.4 which clinched the lead for his heat. In fact, this score will place him in the finals, but Louie isn’t satisfied with just making the finals. His goal is to have two stellar runs and have the highest score of all the heats. This will give him the advantage of being the last rider to drop in the finals (reverse order is used in the finals.)

Louie is a rider that is always working on advancing his skills, knowing that his big air and stylistic execution can always and will always improve. His quest for constant improvement was observed in Louie’s second run where he landed every hit perfectly with ease – and again this is Louie’s style – to make everything look easy. Perhaps this weekend’s competition will be sweet redemption. With a 46.3 in his second run and obtaining his goal of the highest score in the qualifiers, Vito is stoked going into Saturday’s finals. When asked about how his ankle felt after the first two runs, he said, “It’s all sore now.” But, as everyone who knows Louie, come finals time he won’t hold anything back. For Louie Vito, it’s all or nothing – that is why he is currently on top. (By Kirk Graham)

Louie Vito competed in his fourth consecutive X Games over the weekend.

The X Games features "the best of the best" in extreme sports, including snowboarding. Only 16 riders from across the world were invited to compete in the high-flying halfpipe.

Vito was not at full strength because of an injury he suffered three weeks ago while filming a jump in Utah. He suffered a high ankle sprain and a bone bruise. The U.S. Snowboarding Team led an aggressive rehab program that enabled Louie to return much quicker than expected. Vito couldn't even walk ten days ago.

Louie crashed on his first run Saturday night and appeared to be in excruciating pain. Under the pressure of his second and final run Vito put it all together and secured the 8th and final spot for Sunday night's final. The top eight qualified for the finals.

Louie rode through considerable pain last night, but was unable to "stick" any of his three runs. As a result Vito placed 8th and will evaluate whether he will compete in next week's Grand Prix stop number 2 on a day-to-day basis.

Louie opened the '08-'09 season by winning the first leg of the Grand Prix at Copper Mountain, Colorado. (By Bill Tipple)

It came down to his last try but Louie Vito did what he had 
to do and qualified for the Superpipe finals at Winter X Games 13.

Vito, who has been nursing an injured ankle for the past three weeks, was not expected to heal in time to compete in X Games this year. The U.S. Team orchestrated an incredible rehab program that permitted Vito to not only participate but also excel after not being able to walk just 10 days ago.

It wasn't until Saturday's practice right before the actual event that Louie was able to put together his contest run.

Louie crashed on his first run, appearing to be in excruciating pain.

Under the pressure of his second and final run Vito put it all together and secured the 8th and final spot in Sunday night's final. The top eight qualified for the finals.

Vito is considered the ultimate wild card to challenge favorite Shaun White; capable of winning despite his 8th place spot, but not knowing how he will hold up with the injury.

ESPN will broadcast the event live beginning at 9pm tonight. (By Scott Stockdale)

As morning broke over the newly constructed terrain park setup at Louie Vito's former training grounds Mad River Mountain, in Bellefontaine, Ohio the temperature peaked at a balmy 68 degrees. With clouds in the sky and rain in the forecast, the question arose, would contestants show up on a day better fit for flip flops? The answer came loud and clear midway through registration when the first hundred pack of bibs were gone and the line was still out the door. The 2008 Louie Rail Jam eclipsed last year's record number of contestants by over 20%.

The fourth annual Louie Vito Rail Jam went down this past weekend with tropical temperatures, plenty to eat and drink and a huge crowd of all ages either competing or spectating at Ohio's largest snowboarding event of the season at Mad River Mountain, in Ohio.

What a great event with no entry fee, except for a donation of a nonperishable food item or paper product. All donations went to the St Vincent DePaul Food Pantry, an agency that serves those in need in Logan County. The over 200 competitors came from as far away as California.

With over 300 curious Louie Vito fanatics in attendance the awards ceremony had the feel of a huge party instead of a competition. Music was provided by Skratchmatik from Dayton. Winners were awarded outerwear, headsets, and boards as well as the grand giveaway, an all expenses paid trip including airfare to Windell's Snowboard Camp for the coming summer.

At the very height of the excitement Louie decided to raffle off a Kicker digital stereo system and a Louie Vito signature snowboard. Raising over two thousand dollars and enough food to feed several families for months to come the Bellefontaine St. Vincent DePaul Society was again thrilled to be a part of what is turning out to be their biggest fund raiser.

It was obvious to all who attended this wonderful event why it has become even more successful each year. Louie is an example to hundreds of kids of what can happen with hard work, dedication, God-given ability and a community support system that rivals none! As dozens of kids flocked around this charismatic young man, it was clear they had chosen a great role model. Louie posed for pictures, signed the latest Snowboarder Magazine, gave riding tips and appeared to know each individual -- although highly unlikely given the great number of people who clamored for his time. He looked like the Pied Piper, although his entourage consisted of kids as well as moms and dads! Cameras flashed, prizes were given away in excess and a charity was thrilled beyond words. This event will continue to grow, thanks to Louie and his generous sponsors. This was an example of a 20-year old young man, wise for his years, showing us all how to give back and remember where we came from. [More pix here]