Ted Culbertson recently competed in the 2008 Sweden X-Games, where he was part of the snowmobile freestyle competition.

Culbertson nn who was one of 10 Americans in last month's event nn placed seventh and earned "Rookie of the Year" for the games.

The X-Games took place at the Klappen Ski Resort, near Salen, Sweden. It was the largest snowmobile event in European history, according to www.sledadventure.com/eng.

The freestyle competition consists of two 12-foot ramps placed 75-feet apart. A contestant jumps his machine from ramp-to-ramp, performing tricks 20-25 feet in the air.

Culbertson has perfected the "Dead-body," which entails throwing your whole body through the handle bars, laying flat then pulling your legs back through and landing back on the seat.

The latest addition to his repertoire is called the "Kiss of Death." This maneuver is achieved by "pinning" (gassing) the snowmobile right when it leaves the ramp, which drops the tail-end of the sled straight down. As the front comes up, the rider does a hand-stand on the handle bars at the same time. And then right before the machine touches down, he arches his body back and grabs the rear brake, which brings him back to the seat and drops the sled's front end down.

In the summertime, Culbertson, a former Helena High wrestler, trades in his snowmobile for a motorcycle. The 30-year old performs similar stunts on his bike in Freestyle Motocross X-Games (FMX) competitions and demonstrations. He said that he can do a back-flip on his motorcycle n a feat which he plans on achieving on a snowmobile by next winter.

This past January, Ted qualified for the Winter X-Games in Aspen, Colo. The top-four snowmobilers there were featured on ESPN. Prior to his trip to Sweden, he placed fourth at the Jackson Hole competition. "That's where I learned the Kiss of Death," he explained.

Culbertson has been sponsored by Helena Cycle Center, KNA Construction and a silent partner. Lately he was picked up by Colorado Sledstyle, out of Carbondale, Colo. He will be part of their three-man freestyle team, traveling around the country in the business' trailer.

Of the $27,000 total purse in Sweden, Culbertson earned $5,000 for his efforts. "I keep telling my dad there's money in this retarded sport. I guess it pays not to have any brain cells," he laughed.

Q How did you happen to get chosen to compete in Sweden?

A One of America's riders got hurt, and they needed an alternate, so that was me. I was gone for seven days.

Q What's the worst accident you've ever had?

A In 1996, I wrecked on a motorcycle in Kalispell and shoved my tibia through my riding boot. I was doing a gnarly "sideways whip" and didn't know how to pull out of it. I came off the jump sideways and my leg got tangled up on the landing. It was a rookie move. The injury got infected and I ended up going through eight different surgeries.

Q What are some of your hobbies?

A I like to go fishing, hanging out with my family, trail-riding on motorbikes.

Q What's next on your agenda?

A After coming back from Whistler, British Columbia, for the filming of "Sled Necks," (a freestyle snowmobile movie), I'll be in Carbondale, Colo., for an FMX competition.

Q What are some of your goals in the sport?

A Besides back-flipping on the sled, one thing I'd like to do is put on some local freestyle snowmobile and motocross demonstrations, so folks around Helena can see what the sport is all about.

Reporter Curt Synness: 449-2150 or curt52s@bresnan.net