The last week of January will always be one that freestyle snowmobiler Colten Moore will never forget – but after last weekend, it’s memorable for both the highest – and lowest – moments of his life.
Last year, Colten’s older brother, Caleb, was injured during the Snowmobile Freestyle event of X Games Aspen on Jan. 24, while trying to land a backflip, a trick he had done before. Moore flipped over the handlebars and was hit with the snowmobile upon landing. Although he was able to leave on his own strength, doctors later discovered blood around his heart. Seven days later he was pronounced dead, as a result from suffering cardiopulmonary arrest. It was the first X Games related death.
Caleb’s death was devastating to Colten and while some athletes might have called it quits, the 24-year-old was back on his snowmobile within two months and dedicating his performances to his brother.
And there might not have been a bigger performance of his career than Thursday night.
With the riders getting prepared for Snowmobile Freestyle, Moore huddled on his snowmobile in prayer – talking to his older brother Caleb. The Texas native, wearing a No. 31 hat in honor of his brother, spun and maneuvered his way on the 100-foot jumps to X Games gold, the second of his career. As his victory became clear, Moore threw up a three and a one with his fingers, making it clear that this achievement was perhaps the most special of his career.
“That’s what I came here to do,” Moore said after the win. “Walk up to the landing and give it all to Caleb. That was a dream come true for me.”
After a little more than an hour of competition, Moore managed to become a household name thanks to his inspiring story and made certain to tell his brother’s story during every interview. But it wouldn’t be the last we’d hear about him at this year’s X Games in Asepn.
Moore then turned his focus to Saturday night’s Snowmobile Long Jump Finals. After the first several jumps, Moore found himself battling for another gold medal – but in the end it just wasn’t meant to be. He would finish the competition third on the podium with a jump of almost 133 feet, finishing 10 feet behind second place finisher Cory Davis and almost 15 feet behind gold medalist Levi LaVallee.
It might not have been quite the finish Moore was hoping for, but it was certainly an excellent cap to what was certainly one of the best weekends of his life. With the bronze medal, Moore now has four career X Games medals – two gold, one silver and one bronze. Caleb would certainly be proud.
Ed Miller is a contributor for CraveOnline Sports. You can follow him on Twitter @PhillyEdMiller or “like” CraveOnline Sports on Facebook.
Photo Credit: Getty
