Mini Shred: Taelor Mattingley
Tally Atkins
With over seven awards in rail jams, frequent first place medals, and a USASA National qualifier and overall champion all in one season. Taelor Mattingley has a lot going for her, even without knowing that she is only nine years old and has only been snowboarding for three years.
Taelor lives in Sandy, Utah with her exceptionally supportive parents and three talented sisters. She is sponsored by the Blindside Snow/Skate Shop, located in Salt Lake City, Utah. She has also recently been set up with a full ride sponsorship on the National Roxy Grom Team. In just one season Taelor has defied most expectations for such a young rider and never ceases to blow the minds of those who have the opportunity to witness her passion for snowboarding.
Taelor competed at the 2008 Queens Cup Breast Cancer Benefit Rail Jam in Park City, Utah. Although there was a wild array of flashy jackets and styled out teenage shredders below, Taelor stood out instantaneously. She was the youngest and the only competitor under five feet tall.
By the time the practice sessions rolled to an end and the rail jam began, the run-ins to each feature had become incredibly slushy and slow. Every skier and snowboarder was having trouble with speed. Even the more experienced riders could hardly gain enough momentum to get onto the rails. This was a colossal problem for Taelor, considering the fact that she was so much smaller than all of her competition. The crowd watched in astonishment as Taelor’s father grabbed her hand and slung her as hard as he could towards the first feature. With her fathers help, she managed to mount the box and spin a 270 on, 270 off. Bystanders were in awe at the fearless talent of this little girl. By the end of the night, Taelor walked away with a noble smile and the “Best Grom” award. Given the poor conditions, she was able to prove that size does not measure heart.
The future looks bright for Taelor. With the support of her family, friends and fans, she will be able to face any challenge. With her courageous attitude and determination to learn and progress there is no limit to her success. There is no telling if young Taelor will be the next female legend on her snowboard, but anyone can see that she will always have fun and snowboard for the love of snowboarding.
After all of this, I’m sure you’d love to see her ride! Check out her 2008 season video:
Taelor Mattingly from Shred Betties on Vimeo.
Posted by freelance on 10/18
