Bleiler savors ESPY experience

Nate Peterson Aspen Correspondent Glenwood Springs, CO Colorado LOS ANGELES — First the cover of ESPN The Magazine, now an ESPY. It’s official: Gretchen Bleiler is the biggest name in women’s action sports. At least, according to sports fans around the country whose votes earned the Aspen snowboarder her first ESPY at Wednesday night’s star-studded awards ceremony in Los Angeles. “That’s a huge award,” said an elated Bleiler on Thursday, following a long night of post-awards parties. “All these athletes were there, all these football players, the Boston Celtics, so many amazing people, and just even to be nominated is an honor. To win one, it’s a huge honor.” Bleiler won the ESPY for best female action sports athlete, topping a group of nominees that included Vail World Cup skier Lindsey Vonn and friend and fellow U.S.... [read full story]