Pierre-Alexandre Rousseau, Canada

Rousseau has been one of the biggest medal hopes of the Canadian team for a few years already. Placing second in the world cup in 2002, Rousseau has started to reach the results that he has hoped for. Making his debut already in 1997, Rousseau has experienced a lot during his career.
Right before the Olympic Games of Nagano 2002, Rousseau landed on his neck and injured his spine very seriously, causing nearly a full paralyse. The fact that he had to learn to walk and ski again has only made him stronger.

Jeremy Bloom, USA

Jeremy Bloom has gotten used to standing on the podium, both at world cup competitions and championships. At Deer Walley Bloom finished second after Mikko Ronkainen and it is sure that Jeremy wants nothing more, but to take the gold medal home with him from Ruka.

Kari Traa, Norway

Kari Traa is probably the best-known freestyle skier in women. During her career she has won everything possible. If Traa is in fit to do her best she is very hard to beat. What makes Kari Traa a really tough competitor is her aggressive and fearless character, which can also be recognised outside the slopes. A successful career in sports usually affects also to civil life and that is also the case with Kari. She published her own clothing design at the 2002 world cup finals.

Margarita Marbler, Austria

There aren’t many freestyle skiers from Austria. One, who has made it to the top, is Margarita Marbler. Touring for almost ten years she has made nothing but good to the Austrian freestyle. She took her first world cup win in 2002 and has managed to keep the level ever since. Dual moguls is the discipline that fits her the best and it can well be expected that she will be at the very top also at Ruka.

Steve Omischl, Canada

In the season 1999-2000 Steve Omischl was picked as the rookie of the year. The Canadian believes that the only way to success is hard work, and that is what he does. The silver medallist from Deer Walley is coming to Ruka nothing but the gold medal in his mind.

Alisa Camplin, Australia

Alisa Camplin from Melbourne, Australia, has won it all. She has dominated the aerials for the past few years, even though she is yet considered as a shooting star. It took her years to step up front from the shadow of Jaqui Cooper, but now she has truly taken her place in the spotlight.