The Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 commenced with an electrifying display of talent during the men’s snowboard big air qualifiers held on Thursday night at Livigno Snow Park. Japan’s Ogiwara Hiroto made a strong impression, securing the top position with an impressive score of 178.50, positioning himself favorably for the finals.
Italian competitor Ian Matteoli captivated the local audience, finishing closely behind Ogiwara. The podium was completed by fellow Japanese snowboarder Kimura Kira, showcasing a strong representation from Japan in the early stages of the competition.
Among the notable participants was Su Yiming, the reigning Olympic snowboard big air champion from Beijing 2022, who qualified in fourth place. The Chinese athlete is determined to defend his title from the previous Olympics, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming final.
Expressing his satisfaction, Ogiwara remarked, “I’m really happy that at my first Olympics, I stomped the tricks I wanted and got great scores.” Ogiwara attributed his calm demeanor during the event to a successful official training session, stating he had not fallen at all, which helped him maintain focus. He further noted, “Even though this is the Olympics, I was able to approach it with the same mindset as at a World Cup.” With a competitive spirit, Ogiwara aims to bring his best performance to the finals, confident in his abilities.
The excitement around the snowboard competition is palpable, with athletes pushing their limits and thrilling fans. As the Olympics unfold, viewers can anticipate more remarkable performances from these gifted athletes.