MELROSE—Fourteen-year-old Paxton Barraza, of Hillside Avenue in Melrose, is gaining recognition in the world of freestyle skiing as he prepares to represent the Northeast at the prestigious Junior Nationals Freestyle Championships held at the Olympic Park in Park City, Utah, beginning on March 17. Competing in both the mogul and dual mogul events, Paxton will take on the nation’s best young skiers in a bid for the title.
A dedicated athlete and 8th grader at St. John’s Prep, Paxton has been competing in moguls since he was nine years old. He trains with the Crotched Mountain Freestyle Club in Bennington, NH, under coach John Carbonneau, where he develops the technical skills needed to compete at the National level.
Paxton’s journey to Junior Nationals is a testament to years of hard work and passion for the sport. His ability to navigate the demanding mogul course and execute dynamic aerial maneuvers has earned him recognition as one of the top young freestyle skiers in the region.
The Junior Nationals Freestyle Championships brings together the best junior athletes from across the country, making it a highly competitive event. Paxton’s family, coaches, and supporters in Melrose are excited to see him take on this incredible opportunity and showcase his talent on a national stage.
As Paxton heads to Junior Nationals, the Melrose community is rallying behind him, cheering him on in his pursuit of excellence in freestyle skiing. Stay tuned for updates as he takes on the slopes and competes among the nation’s elite young athletes.