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Japan Dominates Men's Big Air at Milano Cortina Olympics

2/8/2026

29 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Kimura Claims Gold

Kira Kimura of Japan won gold in the men's Big Air event at the Milano Cortina Olympics in Livigno, Italy, scoring 179.50 with a switch backside 1900 in his final run.
Ryoma Kimata of Japan won silver with a 171.50.
Su Yiming of China earned bronze with 168.50 after falling in his second run.
The floodlit event highlighted Japan's snowboarding dominance, attributed to extensive practice and advanced facilities.

Summary

Japan's Snowboard Quest

Japan's men's snowboard big air team aims for a historic first Olympic medal at the Milano Cortina Olympics in Livigno, Italy.
New Zealand qualified all its riders for the finals.
Australia’s Valentino Guseli replaced injured Mark McMorris and earned a finals spot with a 163.00 score after landing a switch backside 1980 tail grab.
Guseli shared an inspirational message about perseverance.
The finals begin at 19:30 local time.

History

Historical Context

The 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan, marked the debut of snowboarding as an Olympic sport, featuring four events from February 8 to 12. Canadian Ross Rebagliati won the first gold medal in men's giant slalom, establishing a competitive foundation for the sport. Japan's Taka Suzuki later secured the nation's first gold in snowboarding, reflecting Japan's growing investment in winter sports and its commitment to excellence.

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Kimura Claims Gold

Kira Kimura of Japan won gold in the men's Big Air event at the Milano Cortina Olympics in Livigno, Italy, scoring 179.50 with a switch backside 1900 in his final run.
Ryoma Kimata of Japan won silver with a 171.50.
Su Yiming of China earned bronze with 168.50 after falling in his second run.
The floodlit event highlighted Japan's snowboarding dominance, attributed to extensive practice and advanced facilities.

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