U.S. Freestyle Team sets its sights on 2011 World Championships at Deer Valley

PARK CITY — Bryon Wilson knows what it's like to dream big.

He also knows what it's like to realize those dreams.

This time last year, the Montana native who moved to Utah to pursue his mogul ski career as a teenager, was just another hungry youngster. The 22-year-old traveled with the U.S. Freestyle team to Finland in hopes of gaining some experience on international snow.

When a teammate was injured, coaches asked him to compete in the back-to-back World Cup competitions. He finished second both days and eventually earned himself a spot on the 2010 Olympic Team.

Once in Vancouver, he didn't waste the opportunity that some athletes never have. He earned a bronze medal, which he wore to a press conference last Thursday announcing the 2011 U.S. Freestyle Team.

"The last four years have been an amazing ride," said Wilson, who was a member of the Wasatch Freestyle club after moving to Utah from Montana in high school. "I can't really ask for anything more. We have an amazingly strong team."

He and his teammates, who signed autographs and posed for pictures, were also looking forward to the World Championships this season.

"To have them at Deer Valley, which has been my home mountain for five years, is awesome," said Wilson.

Deer Valley will host the World Championships on Feb. 2-5, 2011. The resort was recently named the No. 1 ski resort in North America by Ski Magazine for the fourth consecutive year. It is the second time Deer Valley has hosted the World Championships.

"It's an incredible thing to be a part of and I'm very excited about this upcoming year, especially considering that the World Championships are here at Deer Valley, one of my favorite venues ever," said Ryan St. Onge, the defending world aerials champion and an Olympian. "It's the best venue we come to, so it's going to be great and exciting."

Wilson said winning a bronze medal has been a surreal experience.

"It didn't really sink in until probably a month after the Olympics," said Wilson.

He's had opportunities to speak about his journey, and he's had some unique experiences as well.

"I got to fly in an F-16, and I've met some pretty cool people," he said. "It's been an amazing experience."

Heather McPhie earned her spot on the 2010 Olympic Team with her performance at Deer Valley.