While European athletes often reign supreme at the Winter Olympics, particularly with the home team Italians excelling at these Games, the fiercely competitive sport of freestyle ski halfpipe tells a different story. In this thrilling event, where skiers perform incredible aerial stunts high above a massive, man-made canyon, North Americans have truly carved their niche.
Indeed, North America has emerged as a powerhouse in this discipline. The American contingent, boasting four strong contenders, was undoubtedly eyeing a clean sweep of the podium, with Canadian rivals eager to challenge their dominance.
On Friday, it was the United States’ own Alex Ferreira who ultimately stole the show with a performance that captivated the judges.
The initial run proved challenging for many of the sport’s stars, with several top skiers failing to stick their landings. However, with only the best of three runs counting towards their score, the competition remained wide open. The second run saw a dramatic turnaround as athletes began to execute impressive routines. A notable surprise came when 19-year-old Estonian sensation Henry Sildaru surged into the lead, placing American hopefuls Ferreira, Nick Goepper, and Birk Irving in second, third, and fourth positions, respectively.
The tension was palpable heading into the decisive final run, where each competitor had one last opportunity to elevate their score. It was Alex Ferreira who rose to the occasion, delivering a masterful performance that secured him the gold. His victory came after Nick Goepper endured a tough crash, and even the formidable Sildaru couldn’t surpass Ferreira’s incredible feat. Ferreira’s gold-winning run featured two perfectly executed 1600s, showcasing his exceptional skill and precision in both directions.
At 31 years old, Ferreira already boasted an impressive Olympic record, having earned a silver medal in 2018 and a bronze in 2022. This hard-fought gold proudly completes his esteemed collection of Olympic hardware.
FreestyleSkiing: Men’s Halfpipe › |
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Gold |
Alex Ferreira  USA
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Silver |
Henry Sildaru  EST
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Bronze |
Brendan Mackay  CAN
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