Shaun White did not get an Olympic medal this year in halfpipe. The last time someone other than Shaun won gold in halfpipe was in 2002. A huge congrats has to go out to Switzerland’s I-Pod (Iouri Podladtchikov) for winning gold and an even bigger congrats to Japan for taking the Silver and Bronze medals. 15-year-old Ayumu Hirano took Silver and 18-year-old Taku Hiraoka grabbed the bronze. There were no American’s on the podium for the first time since 1998, when halfpipe made it’s Olympic debut.
Needing a big score on his final run, Shaun dropped in and did his traditional huge method grab 180. On his second hit, something went wrong and he hit the deck of the pipe hard sending him into an awkward crash and ending his 2014 Olympic gold medal dreams.
He thinks he’ll still be remembered, though.
“For me to be remembered in the sport, I don’t think tonight makes or breaks my career. I’ve been snowboarding for so long, and I love it so much, that I’m happy to take this for what it is and move on and continue to ride.” – Shaun White
The pipe was in terrible condition and competitors weren’t shy in saying so. We’ve seen better pipes at regular ski resorts. That said, Shaun usually shines when conditions aren’t perfect.
“It’s the Olympics. It should be flawless. What a lame showcase of snowboarding, and what a lame way to treat the athletes.” – Danny Davis, USA Snowboard Halfpipe athlete
Shaun is still likely the best in halfpipe and definitely still goes the biggest and still throws the most technical tricks. But this day belonged to Switzerland and Japan and we’re very stoked for them. Congrats guys!
That picture is Danny Davis crashing…
oops, my bad. changing it now. thanks.