Freeskiing Pioneer Named Director of Alumni Relations at X Games

Leskinen's own history with the X Games runs deep. She first participated in the event fore-running the men's ski events almost 25 years ago before going on to win a bronze medal in the first ever Women’s Freeski Superpipe event at Winter X Games IX in 2005. 

In her role, Leskinen's main focus will be creating new opportunities amongst a network of athletes who have been involved with X Games over the last 30 years. Leskinen's new role seems to be a crucial piece of the puzzle in X Games new initiative to create opportunity for and support its athletes through things like the X Games League. 

“I’m thrilled to take on this new role as Director of Alumni Relations because I believe it’s the next step—an opportunity to recognize and give back to the athletes who have built and continue to shape this incredible legacy. This new role feels like an extension of that. I have the opportunity to leave things better than I found them, and I’m so excited to get to work," said Leskinen in a press release. 

Leskinen's long career as an athlete makes her appointment in the role another power move by the X Games as the franchise expands. The perspective Leskinen offers as not just a highly successful professional freeskier, but having competed in things like the Amazing Race and even Dancing With the Stars makes her an incredibly versatile asset to the X Games as they expand, specifically for female athletes.