Maddy Schaffrick is just 17 years old (she'll be 18 on April 24), but the Steamboat Springs, CO, native is more than prepared to not let youth get in her way. After missing the 2011 season due to injury, Schaffrick is back at the 2012 Winter X Games after a one-year absence. She is out to improve upon the 8th and 15th place finishes in 2009 and 2010, respectively. All in all, those were great showings for a competitor who was 14 and 15 years of age at the time.
Outside of the Winter X Games, Schaffrick has an impressive yet burgeoning record with multiple top 10 finishes. She took first place for best trick and most progressive ride at Aspen's Snow Angels Invitational in 2009.
It will likely be tough for her to best the likes of Gretchen Bleiler and Kelly Clark, but Schaffrick should have her time coming soon.
Check out what she did recently during the Nike Open 2011 in December (go to the 1:40 mark for her performance):
For more updates and stories concerning the 2012 Winter X Games, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver.