Halfpipe, Men

The biggest story was if American Shaun White, three-time gold medalist in the event in 2006, 2010, and 2018, could win another gold at age 35. His biggest challenge was expected to come from Japan’s Ayumu Hirano, silver medalist in 2014 and 2018, and Australian Scotty James, the 2018 bronze medalist and World Champion in 2015, 2017, and 2019.

Qualifying was led by Hirano with James in second, and White fourth, after Hirano’s teammate Ruka Hirano. Everybody seemed to struggle in the first run of the final as the lead was taken by American Ty Gold with 81.75, but that would be his best mark and he would finish fifth.

Round two saw James take the lead with a run of 92.50 as Hirano improved and moved into second at 91.75. Switzerland’s Jan Scherrer was third at 87.25 and White moved into fourth at 85.00 but that is where they would finish.

Everybody went for it on the final run with their most difficult tricks. Hirano attempted what some considered the most difficult halfpipe performance ever, with a 1440 triple cork, followed by a back-to-back 1260, and finishing with a frontside 1440. Executed perfectly, it brought him the gold medal with a score of 96.00.

This was Hirano’s fourth Olympic Games but only his third Winter Olympics as he competed at Tokyo 2020 in skateboarding. Hirano’s brother, Kaishu Hirano also competed in Beijing, finishing ninth in the final. James held on for the silver medal but would return at MiCo 2026 to take gold, while Hirano would also compete in 2026, finishing seventh.