Sandpoint Olympian falls short of medal

Sandpoint Olympian Nate Holland finished out of medal contention early Thursday morning in the snowboardcross competition.

American Seth Wescott won the gold medal in this sport's first Olympics.

Holland was knocked out of a preliminary round in what one report called "the most curious ride."

Holland was four-wide with the riders in his heat when he took a big jump about a third of the way down the course. He was so high in the air that he had to readjust himself so he wouldn't land on a fellow competitor.

He was in trouble at that point because fellow American racer, Jason Smith, slowed down, causing Holland to crash.

Holland protested the contact, but to no avail.

Holland is Sandpoint's second Olympian. He was predicted by several magazines to finish as has as third place.