Australian ski cross athlete Jenny Owens recorded one of the best performances of her career by finishing on the X Games podium for the first time in Aspen, USA, today.

Owens, who has four World Cup podium finishes to her name, grabbed third place behind Norwegian duo Marte Gjefsen and Hedda Berntsen in the invitation-only event for some of the world’s best winter sports athletes.

However, Owens' memorable day almost did not eventuate. Until just a few days ago, Owens was in two minds as to whether she would compete at the X Games.

Australian Institute of Sport ski cross program head coach Matt Lyons said that the AIS / NSWIS scholarship holder arrived at Aspen with mixed feelings about whether the X Games track would be suitable for her to race on, given that she had surgery less than 12 months ago.

She was prepared to pull out of the X Games if she had any doubts about the risks of the course and its possible effect on the ankle that underwent surgery.

“After looking carefully at the track and watching other athletes on the course, she came to the conclusion that the designers had toned things down and were focusing more on racing this year,” Lyons said.

“Up until then, she was not sure that she would compete but it all worked out in the end and Jenny is very excited by the result.

“With the X Games being such an important event, I’m sure Jenny’s confidence level will benefit a great deal from finishing third. This will only help her for the rest of the World Cup season and beyond.”

Owens’ teammate, Katya Crema finished 11th overall, after finishing the X Games consolation final in fifth place.