Behind the scenes — SLmag’s photo shoot w/ Olympian Emily Cook

The following is an excerpt from an article originally posted at SaltLakeMagazine.com:

Salt Lake Magazine gives you a behind-the-scenes look at our upcoming feature — Olympians in your backyard.

As several locals prepare for the Vancouver games, SLmag’s photographer Adam Finkle shoots ’em around town — juxtaposing everyday scenes with the look and feel of the athletes’ discipline.

In this shoot, freestyle aerialist Emily Cook.

A Massachusetts native, Cook, 30 — a three-time US National champion — now calls Park City home.

The ex-gymnast chose Park City as homebase for its proximity to USSA training center — but spends a good bit of time in the off-season perfecting her jumps at Utah Olympic Park where athletes jump off ramps into a pool.

During the summer you can find Cook at the training facility, practicing yoga or traveling for her work with her charity Right to Play.

Cook injured both feet just two weeks prior to the 2002 games during a practice run — rendering herself unable to compete. She came back to win the 2006 Olympic Trial and was on the 2006 U.S. Women’s Freestyle Aerials squad in Torino.

Third time’s a charm as she hopes to medal February in Vancouver.

Click here for the full article and fun pictures.