posted 02/15/10 04:40 PM | updated 02/16/10 05:48 AM

Seth Wescott successfully defends SBX Olympic title in with Sun Valley connection

Ketchum's Waxroom owner, Curtis Bacca, was the private technician for Seth Wescott who overcame difficulties in qualifying to win the Gold Medal for the U.S. in Snowboard Cross.

Heading into the last half of Monday's final, the 33-year-old from Maine was barely within shouting distance of Canadian Mike Robertson. Then, out of nowhere, Wescott closed the gap, overtook the Canadian and held him off at the finish to take the gold medal -- his second straight and America's second of these Winter Olympics.

Wescott made up the distance over a series of five consecutive jumps that can sap speed if not executed correctly. The crowd, about half Canadian and half American, gasped and cheered. Wescott crossed the line first and fell to the ground, then draped the stars and stripes across his shoulders. Read more on NBCOlympics.com

Sun Valley native Graham Watanabe was eliminated before reaching the final. Sandpoint, Idaho native Nate Holland was fourth in the final after spinning out early in the race. Canada's Mike Robertson won the Silver Medal after giving up a big lead to Wescott. France's Tony Ramoin won the Bronze.

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