A pretty significant birthday present arrived early this year for Mark McMorris. Just a few weeks shy of turning 17, Mark received his Red Bull helmet when he officially became a part of the team this past weekend. At only 16-years-old Mark has already accomplished what many pro snowboarders twice his age can only dream about. Currently sitting in 6th place on the TTR circuit after an incredible 2009/2010 season in which he climbed to the top step at the Quebec stop of the Empire Shakedown, took 3rd place at the 5-Star TTR Billabong Ante Up event in Whistler, and 5th at the infamous Oakley Arctic Challenge, Mark is letting the snowboard world know that he is here to stay.
While training in Colorado in preparation for the China Air & Style, the next World Cup stop in Beijing December 3rd and 4th, Mark had this to say, “I’m very excited to be a part of the worlds best energy drink sponsor, Red Bull! It’s been a life long goal of mine and to finally say I’m team member’s with the best athletes in the world feels amazing! Red Bull is always doing projects and events to push our sport that pushes the athletes to be the best. I’m also super happy to be on the team with one of my best friends, Seb Toots (Toutant)! We have always rode together and have loved to push each other in all different aspects of the sport which has brought us here today. We are always excited to compete with each other and keep the fire alive and will for many years to come!”
Born and raised in the flatlands of central Canada in Regina, Saskatchewan, Mark still calls this region home, albeit he doesn’t spend much time there as his contest and travel schedule keep him on the road most of the year. When he isn’t travelling for contests he spends a lot of time training with now Red Bull team mate Sébastien Toutant in Montreal, Quebec. Mark and Seb have an interesting relationship to say the least. The two could very well be each other’s most significant competition at any Big Air event but still maintain a strong camaraderie and friendship off the hill. Seb, who is also currently in Colorado with Mark in preparation for China could barely contain his excitement, “I feel good to have Mark on the Red Bull Team cause we are really good friends and it’ll have us traveling together more! Mark is a great rider and he deserves to be a part of this team. I don’t think it’ll change anything on the contest scene, we are just stoked for each other when one of us does well.”
Mark also proudly rides for Burton, Oakley and The Source Boardshop.
Mark joins an elite team of athletes at Red Bull and will fit in just fine. Here is a complete list of Red Bull Canada Athletes and twitter handles to find out what they are up too. Congrats Mark, and welcome to the team!
