The ESPN empire has announced the first in the ever-expanding lists of athletes who will compete in the 13th Winter X Games at Snowmass, in Aspen, Co. Of course, the leader of the list is Shaun White, the one name that probably won’t change. White is the star of the X Games (both summer and winter).

The lineup is as stellar as usual; meaning every top skier and snowboarder will be there. In fact, 160 athletes have already been invited to show their skills in skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling.

All the comps, which take place January 22-25, 2009, will be shown live; not only on ESPN cable, but on major network ABC.

ESPN announced that among those throwing down will be:

- Shaun White: Seven-time Snowboard Winter X Games gold medalist and 2006 Winter Olympic gold medalist
- Gretchen Bleiler: Three-time Winter X Games Snowboard SuperPipe gold medalist and 2006 Winter Olympic silver medalist
- Tanner Hall:  Defending Skiing SuperPipe champion and seven-time Winter X Games gold medalist
- Tucker Hibbert: Three-time Winter X Games Snowmobile SnoCross gold medalist
- Kees-Jan van de Klooster:  Winter X Games 12 Mono Skier X gold medalist
- Lindsey Jacobellis: Four-time Winter X Games Snowboarder X gold medalist and 2006 Winter Olympic silver medalist
- Travis Rice: Three-time Winter X Games snowboard medalist
- Sarah Burke: Two-time Winter X Games and defending Skiing SuperPipe gold medalist
- Daron Rahlves: Winter X Games 12 Skier X gold medalist and widely considered as the most accomplished speed skier in American history with 28 World Cup podiums and three World Championship podiums over the course of the last decade.

There will be more names added to the list; to keep updated, go to  www.expn.com.

Though X Games gold medalists get an automatic invitation to compete, other athletes are chosen by a selection committee which is made up of those who have experience with, and are totally familiar with, the sport.

And if you wonder about the description of ESPN as an empire, consider this: ESPN will be showing these X Games to 122 countries, from Africa to New Zealand. X Games competitions are global, and are held in Middle Eastern countries like Dubai, as well as Brasil, Malaysia, Mexico, China, Spain and many more. There are now X Games bikes and skateboards for sale. The network is a Mecca for action sports, and because mainstream media doesn’t realize how lucrative the action sports world really is, ESPN pretty much has the field all to itself.

That’s how empires are made.

I think I just found my new favorite toy.  Doesn’t it suck slamming on your face, neck, back, tailbone, and knees over and over again while snowboarding, just to have to trek up the rugged mountain after multiple attempts?  I think more than half of your energy alone goes to attempting a trick multiple times.  Maybe those days are over with the introduction of the gas-powered snowboard. 

This is the gas-powered vehicle that combines the thrill of riding a snowmobile and the freedom of a snowboard, enabling you to surf effortlessly over the deepest fresh powder or on packed, granular snow. Its patented rubber track uses 1 3/4″ snow lugs and flexes as you lean in the direction you wish to go for wide, graceful turns or aggressive slalom-like carvings.

With a price tag of about $2,000 and with Christmas and Hanukkah right around the corner, I’m sure your parents would be with you on getting this.  Or Santa.  I would like to get one for myself to do some cross-country exploration on this thing.  Maybe break a few records, or a few bones.  Just look out for this thing at the Winter X Games. 

On the motorized-side of things, Snowmobile Best Trick will be featured, with three athletes battling it out for a single gold medal.  The winner will be chosen by fans that get to watch the competition on TV.

The Winter X Games will take place from January 22-25 and are free and open to the public.

This country has come a long way since the days before Suffrage.  It was a depressed time when women in this country were not allowed to take part of one of this nation’s proudest privileges, voting.  Now look at where we are.  Opera Winfrey is one of the most powerful people in the country, Lisa Leslie from the LA Sparks dunked a basketball, and we might have a pig with lipstick in the White House.  What a landmark moment that might be. 

Well in addition to all that, ESPN is proud to announce that the X Games and Winter X Games will feature equal prize money for both men and women in 2009. ESPN has been a leader in promoting and programming women’s athletics, and this recent action sports prize purse increase is the latest example. This past summer saw the X Games feature women’s motocross for the first time, and the upcoming Winter X Games will feature a host of female Olympic medalists from several different countries. Starting with Winter X Games 13 in January 2009, men and women athletes at all X Games events.

Do you tend recycle bottles as hard as you skateboard?  Do you find yourself reusing paper as fast as you bomb hills on your bike?  Or do you try to place recyclable material in its proper place as you roll around on your recycled Roller Blades?  If so, you may be a bigger fan of the X Games now that they are the most environmental friendly action sporting events known to man.  For the second year in a row, the X Games delivered more than an 80 percent recycling rate at X Games 14.

In the four years since the XGE program’s inception, the X Games have now recycled more than 422 tons of material from both its summer and winter flagship events. These results indicate that progressive waste minimization and resource conservation initiatives implemented throughout the planning and execution of the event continue to drive a new standard for environmental excellence in action sporting events.  If you too are an environmental enthusiast, check out the press release below.  It’s pretty extreme. 

These accomplishments were achieved in part through an innovative composting program designed to capture and divert organic materials from the landfill. Spectators and staff alike were encouraged to participate in this program by composting paper and food products. The staff catering area has excelled in this effort through the use of compostable service products such as cups made from corn-based PLA plastic; plates, bowls and to-go containers made from bagasse, a sugarcane by-product; utensils made from potato starch; and napkins made from recycled content paper. Products like these ensured that a majority of diners’ discards could be composted. In addition, 90 gallons of kitchen grease generated by the staff catering kitchen was recycled into biodiesel and more than 3,500 pounds of surplus food and catering supplies were donated to a Los Angeles area food bank.

 
Custom designed, three-way collection receptacles provided sorting for beverage containers, trash and organic waste in public and back-of-house areas, and included colorful graphics to educate participants about proper sorting procedures. In addition, cardboard and wood were also collected for recycling. Nearly 47.2 tons of wood and cardboard, which represented 61 percent of the total waste generated by the event was diverted from the landfill and either reused or sent to a specialized recycling facility.
 
In another XGE initiative, reusable water bottles were distributed to all X Games staff and athletes as water refilling stations were strategically located throughout the event, eliminating the need for nearly 50,000 individual single-use plastic water bottles.
 
In a continued effort to raise awareness about use of renewable energy and ways to combat climate change, XGE introduced Tour de X, an initiative enabling people to learn about and interact with cutting edge alternative energy technology. Spectators were able to recharge their cell phones, cameras and other personal electronics just by riding specially outfitted Tour de X bikes. Additionally, XGE contributed to help the Arbor Day Foundation plant 5,000 Longleaf Pine trees in the John M. Bethea State Forest in northern Florida to assist with reforestation efforts following the Bugaboo wildfire of spring 2007.
 
“It’s a significant accomplishment to have such high levels of recycling at an event this large,” said Chris Stiepock, general manager and vice president, X Games franchise. “It would not be possible without the commitment of the entire staff and key suppliers who keep the environment top of mind when planning and executing the event.”

There’s no doubt in anybody’s mind that Danny Way went way beyond anyone’s expectations after the abuse his body received.  Especially that incredibly nasty leg decapitation.  And there’s no doubt that Danny Way is an outstanding athlete.  Well despite not winning gold and receiving the silver at X-Games 14, the people spoke and voted him the Subaru “Outstanding Athlete Award”.   And with that prestigious honor, Danny will receive a 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX.  I think the vehicle is good for Rally Car Racing. 

San Diego-area skateboarders and fans have a great opportunity to personally meet and greet Danny Way, X Games 14 Big Air competition silver medalist and the Subaru Most Outstanding Athlete of the Games. Danny will receive keys to an all new 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX Thursday and sign autographs for the first 50 fans.  Check out the details below. 

WHO:  Subaru of America, Inc. and pro Skateboarder, Danny Way
When: Thursday, October 16, 2008 – 4:30 pm
Where: Bob Baker Subaru
900 Arnele Avenue
El Cajon, CA  92020

Bilko did not seek medical attention in Mexico, opting instead to go to San Diego the following day where he was diagnosed with broken toes and a torn anterior cruciate ligament and damaged meniscus tissue in his knee. The injury will require surgery and a full knee reconstruction, followed by months of rehabilitation.

The season so far was a good one for Bilko, starting with a win at the AST Dew Tour’s Panasonic Open.  He was la close second in the Dew Cup standings after two stops and was hoping to unseat Nate Adams as Dew Tour champ next month in Orlando.  He was also scheduled to take part in this weekend’s LG FMX World Championships in Pomona.  Bilko had been nursing a number of smaller injuries which hampered his performance at this month’s Toyota Challenge.

“I’ve had a busy schedule since December last year and have been run off my feet. Since relocating to the US I’ve injured my shoulder and knee, cracked my heal bone and now this.” Bilko said on Fullnoise.com.au.

“I’ve been nursing injury at almost every event and have not had the chance to practice mid-week which has hurt.”

Several FMX riders have suffered major injuries this season, including Greg Hartman, who suffered a head injury at a Dew Tour demo and Jim McNeil and Nixey Danielson, who crashed at this summer’s X Games.

In the Skateboard Street, Greg Lutzka defended his gold from last year with a score of 92.07 while recent Dew Tour winner Chaz Ortiz came in second.  Tyler Hendley took third.

In the Moto X Best Trick contest Jeremy Lush won first with Adam Jones and Todd Potter following.  Ronnie Renner scored the gold in Moto X Step Up.

Keep reading for the full breakdown of action from Saturday.

Americans Sweep Day One in Skateboard Street, Moto X Best Trick and Moto X Step Up in Day One at X Games Mexico
Palacio de los Deportes and Sold-Out Skateboard Street Venue Filled with Roaring Crowd

Mexico City, Mexico – The first day of competition at X Games Mexico kicked off in Mexico City today as an enthusiastic crowd of 10,730 greeted the world-class group of international athletes. Fans celebrated the second year of the event as they watched final competitions in Skateboard Street, Moto X Best Trick and Moto X Step Up at the Palacio de los Deportes.

“We are very pleased to bring X Games Mexico back to our city for a second consecutive year,” said Gerardo Casanova, managing director, ESPN Mexico. “The success of today’s events is proof of the ever-growing action sports fan-base in the city and I am looking forward to even more energy and excitement tomorrow.”

Skateboard Street Final
A sold out venue drew crowds of enthusiastic, cheering fans who filled the stands as skate competitors dazzled with spins, kickflips and gravity-defying tricks. The international lineup included athletes from Mexico, Argentina, Brazil and the US. However, it was the Americans that swept the podium in the competition. Greg Lutzka defended his 2007 X Games Mexico gold medal by stomping tricks on virtually every course feature. His front side 270 noseblunt was what wowed the judges and earned him a winning score of 92.07.

“It’s really good to be back here in Mexico. I couldn’t believe how many people were out there cheering us on,” said Lutzka. “All these guys killed it, but Chaz Ortiz is the new kid to check out – you’ll be seeing more of him. Everyone treats us so well around the world at these different competitions and it’s just a pleasure to be here. I’m psyched.”

Silver medal went to 14-year-old Ortiz who showcased his smooth and aggressive style in an impressive run that included an ollie big spin over bump-to-bump and kickflip back lip over handrail.

“It’s my first time in Mexico City and my first X Games ever, so I couldn’t ask for anything more. It is an honor for me to be here,” said Ortiz on his podium finish. He finished with a score of 91.60.

First-time X Games Mexico competitor Tyler Hendley earned the bronze medal with a score of 85.47.

Moto X Best Trick
The sea of spectators shifted their focus to the arena as X Games 14 Best Trick silver medalist Jeremy Lusk dominated the Best Trick field with a kiss of death back flip. In his second X Games Mexico appearance, Lusk responded to the crowd’s cheers and earned a score of 92.00.

“It feels really good to win. The fans here are pumped up and appreciate that we’re here. I watched my opponents in practice today and stuck with tricks I knew I could land,” said Lusk on what gave him the advantage in today’s competition.

Adam Jones took home the silver medal with his second jump, a dead body backflip that earned him a score of 90.67, but also stunned the crowd with his first jump, his signature Shaolin backflip.

Todd Potter rounded out the competition with the bronze medal and a score of 90.00.

Moto X Step Up
Ronnie Renner edged out his competitors in his X Games Mexico debut as he successfully launched himself 9.14 meters (29.99 feet) into the air and over the bar.

“I came here to take the gold and wasn’t leaving Mexico City without it. People here are amazing, and it’s an honor to come here and ride for the people. To hear them cheering is a real inspiration to win,” said Renner.

X Games Mexico will wrap up tomorrow with BMX Freestyle Street, Moto X Freestyle and Best Whip finals.

Last month at the FMX demo at the Right Guard Open in Cleveland, Greg Hartman went down hard and there was a question as to how his recovery would go since he had a head injury.  Luckily, Hartman was sent home July 25th and is recovering at home.  He was in a coima for a short while but awoke on August 1st and has started communicating with fans and friends on the FreestyleMTX.com forums.  Apparently he can’t drive right now because of the injury, but he’s still looking forward to getting back on a bike soon.

Meanwhile at the X Games earlier this month Metal Mulisha rider Nixey Danielson had a massive slam that broke both his legs and sent him to the hospital.  He’s recovering pretty well and his MM buds even went out and got some video of him in the hospital.  Check that out along with footage from the crash below.  And keep listening for his roomie on the phone — that’s good stuff.

Around the same time last week, X-Games 14 has done something pretty spectacular as well. With different formats to a lot of the competitions, there was a noticeable flow to the X-Games this year, which has been lacked in years prior. I’m liking the new feel of the X-Games except for the fact that my favorite announcer Paul Higgins is no longer commentating the events. With EXPN.com and the event getting prime time slots on TV, the rest of the world is getting more exposed to some of the sports we take for granted.

I have a dream. My dream is to one day witness Travis Pastrana and an Eskimo side-by-side partaking in a Motocross event. That’s my dream. Anyway for more record breaking news, check out ESPN’s press release below.

The 14th annual X Games was held in Los Angeles, at both The Home Depot Center and STAPLES Center, July 31 ˆ August 3 with record-breaking milestones on the course as well as among consumers via both television and online. X Games 14 was ESPN’s most-viewed X Games among households, men 18-49 and 25-54 as well as persons 18-49 and 25-54. In addition, ABC’s X Games 14 was up double digits year-to-year among households ˆ an increase of 14% overall from X Games 13.

„X Games 14 surpassed all our expectations both on the field and across all of our global multi-media platforms, reaching a record number of fans‰, said Rick Alessandri, Managing Director, X Games Franchise. „It‚s clear that fans around the world have embraced these athletes and our events‰.

In a continued effort to expand the X Games franchise globally, the first five minutes of X Games 14 aired live simultaneously on ESPN in the U.S. and across 12 ESPN International networks around the globe reaching 125 countries. Action sports fans in Australia, the Caribbean, Hong Kong, India, Israel, New Zealand, the Philippines, the Middle East, Latin America, Africa, South America, and the U.S. shared in the excitement as the world‚s leading action sports event kicked off its annual competition.

Additional examples of audience growth include:

EXPN.com

There were more than 500,000 unique users to X Games content during the four-day event;
More than 10,000 live chat questions; Participation by some of the biggest names in action sports as Brian Deegan and Danny Way blogged while Kevin Robinson, Bam Margera, Ricky Carmichael, Chris Cole and Blake “Bilko” Williams all chatted with fans; Successful iTunes store: EXPN video cast during X Games 14 was No. 4 among all sports video casts; EXPN video tab available on front page of ESPN.com player for first time.

ESPN360.com

Fans watching X Games 14 on ESPN360.com compiled a total of 4,538 hours spent viewing X Games content.

ESPN‚s X Center

A 5% increase on overall rating from X Games 13