Selection process for ESPN Winter X Games updated

The selection process for ESPN’s Winter X Games has been drastically changed for snowmobile events.

Shawn Seward, ESPN’s X Games director of competition, announced that a selection committee made up of industry experts will be formed to select all snowmobile athletes. In past years snowmobile athletes could directly qualify by doing well in select events.

According to Seward, each manufacturer’s race director will give nominations to the selection committee. Though all rider nominations will be considered by the committee, no final selections are guaranteed.

Selection Criteria:

Tucker Hibbert is guaranteed a spot in the upcoming Winter X Games.

1) Gold medalist from Winter X Games 12 is an automatic invite.

2) Other medalists from Winter X Games 12 and any medalists from past X Games may be invited.

3) Competition Results – All major events, domestic and international, will be looked at to select athletes.

4) Media Exposure – A rider who has gained considerable media exposure and/or outstanding performance in print, film, DVD or TV.

5) Legendary Status – Riders with exceptional competitive history and with the ability to compete at world class level.

6) Selected Riders must have the desire and ability to compete in the X games.

7) Injured Riders – If a rider is injured before final selections are made, the committee may replace that rider with any rider it so chooses. If the rider is injured after the final selection date, the 1st alternate will go in and another alternate may be added with X games permission.

Selection committee members will be announced by Friday, Aug. 22nd and X Games will solidify all snowmobile sport disciplines and athlete field sizes by Sept 15th. Once these two determinations have been made, the selection process will start.

Related Reading: Hibbert repeats at X Games