Ayumu Hirano Qualifies for Finals in Livigno
In Livigno, Italy, Olympic halfpipe champion Ayumu Hirano has successfully qualified for the men’s finals despite facing a severe injury just weeks prior. The Japanese snowboarder, who previously suffered facial and pelvic fractures during a competition in Switzerland, secured a place in Friday’s finals by achieving the seventh-best score of 85.50 points.
Notable Competitors
Out of the top 12 riders advancing to the finals, other notable competitors included Scotty James, who topped the qualifiers with an impressive score of 94.00 points. James was the silver medalist at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, where he finished behind Hirano, who had clinched gold at that event.
Following James were Yuto Totsuka, currently ranked second in the world, and Ryusei Yamada, another talented Japanese snowboarder. American Alessandro Barbieri, just 17 years old, showcased his skills with the fourth-best score, while his compatriots Chase Josey and Jake Pates secured the 11th and 12th spots, ensuring their progression to the finals. Additionally, Ruka Hirano, who is not related to Ayumu, rounded out the top contenders in fifth place.
Competition Details
This halfpipe competition at the Livigno ski resort features a course measuring 220 meters in length, 22 meters in width, and 7.2 meters in height, where riders perform a series of complex jumps while navigating the sloped walls. The rankings were determined by the athletes’ best runs from two attempts.
Anticipation for the Finals
As the competition approaches, fans eagerly anticipate the rematch between Hirano and James, who are both strong candidates for the podium once again in this year’s Olympics. Hirano’s remarkable comeback after his recent injuries is particularly notable, as he aims to defend the gold medal he earned last year, adding to his previous two silver medals from past Olympic games.
With the stage set for an exciting final, the world watches closely as these elite athletes prepare to showcase their talents on Friday.
