OMS and Smith Optics Know Your History: Shannon Dunn

 Last season, the OMS coaching staff decided that it was time for the kids to gain some proper knowledge on the legends of our sport who bootpacked the trail for the snowboarding and made it what it is today.  We deemed it “Know your History.”  In year two, we’re collaborating with Smith Optics and have left it up to their infamous TM Nate Farrell to dish out some og’er names for our kids to research, grow to know, and to ultimately develop a deeper and richer appreciation for the sport they all love. Second up, Shannon Dunn written by OMS Snowboarder Amanda Burnham (15')

Shannon Dunn was born November 26, 1972 and started snowboarding in 1988. She grew up riding in Steam Boat Springs Co, and started to compete in the 90’s. Shannon was the first American Female in snowboarding to win a metal in the Olympics. She won a gold metal at the first Winter X games. She went on to place in many other contests including: Two first places in the 2002 grad prix, 5^th place in the 2002 winter Olympics, 1^st place in the 2001 X games for half pipe and 2^nd place for slope style, 2^nd place in the 2001 half pipe US open, second place in the 1999 winter x games, a bronze medal in the 1998 Winter Olympics, and many more. 

 

Other than in contests Shannon was a huge part in progressing the level of woman’s snowboarding. She was the first female to land several half-pipe tricks including: front side and back side 540, front side 720, and front side rodeo 720. Other then just riding pipe Shannon also loves to hike in the backcountry and ride powder. She also likes slope style.

Other then just snowboarding Shannon also changed the woman’s snowboard market. Shannon was the first female to have a pro model. She also was the co- founder of boarding for Brest cancer. Shannon helped design the velvet “flurry” goggles this was the first goggle designed for girls. She worked with all of her sponsors to make more snowboard products specific for girl snowboarders. She was also featured in many ads for much company’s including: burton, Nixon, velvet, sg, and many more.