Hirano Claims Gold with “Hardest Trick Ever”
Source: Al Bello/Getty Images
Zhangjiakou, China — Ayumu Hirano (JPN) lands the first-ever triple cork in Olympic history, claims gold.
The men’s halfpipe was one of the most anticipated events at this year’s Olympics. Snowboarding legend Shaun White was set to compete in his last Olympics, hoping to step on the podium one last time. Going up against him was a familiar face, Japan native Ayumu Hirano. Hirano was only able to claim silver in the previous two games, falling to White back in 2018. Hirano was also the first and only snowboarder to land a "Triple-Cork" in X-Games history. It is also said that he is the only one to ever land this trick.
The triple cork is recognized as the most difficult and dangerous trick ever attempted. This trick is essentially a triple flip where the rotation axis is off-center. While it may sound like just another flip, this trick requires a lot of courage. Whoever attempts this must be fearless, and ready for the worst. Unlike many other ticks, the triple cork is one of the only tricks that can not be bailed out of.
Shaun White was the first to attempt it back in 2013 when he failed the landing and ended up in the hospital. White eventually gave up on the trick many years ago as he deemed the risk too high for the reward. However, one man was ready to risk it all! It took eight years after White's first attempt to finally see it happen. Hirano landed the trick during a training camp and a few months later, in December of 2021, officially landed the trick in the X-Games. He became the first snowboarder to land a triple cork in a half-pipe competition. A trick that seemed impossible over a decade ago, was now known as the one that could change the Olympics forever.
In half-pipe, the snowboarders want to set themselves up for their next trick, generally starting with some easier tricks to gain momentum. During his first run, it didn't take Hirano long to attempt the "game-changer". It only took Hirano one try at the trick to land it successfully. In the first of three runs in the finals, Hirano landed the first-ever Olympic triple cork on the first jump. He wasn't able to close the run off as he fell later down the pipe. He knew that in order to claim gold and break his silver medal streak, he would need to land the trick again. Hirano proceeded to do so.
During his second run, he landed the triple cork on the first jump followed by some of the most challenging combinations that included 1440's and 1280's. This was the best run in the competition so far, and potentially one of the greatest runs ever. However, the judges disagreed with that and only scored his run a 91.75, which put him at a provisional second place. NBC commentators were furious with the scoring and were already calling this robbery the "Triplegate".
Once again, it all comes down to the final run. Last Olympics, Shaun White claimed gold after a perfect final run. He attempted to repeat that performance, but trying too hard to land his hits, White fell and had to settle for fourth place. A very disappointing performance for the "GOAT" of snowboarding who made his way down the rest of the pipe, helmet off. When he reached the bottom, the crowd was giving him a standing ovation; other competitors waited to congratulate him on an impressive career. As no one improved their previous round scores, it was down to one last rider.
Hirano qualifying first, would be the last rider down the pipe. He knew what had to be done to claim gold. Reproduce the same run as the second time around, but with better landing and more air time. The two main factors in the judges' scorings. Hirano landed yet again the triple cork on his first trick, nailing the landing and making it look effortless. The rest of his run was flawless. It seemed like this run was the one! As he waited for the judges' decisions, his fellow competitor and brother, came to congratulate him on making history regardless of the standings. The scores finally fell. A final score of 96.00 would give the Japanese a well-deserved medal he's been waiting almost a decade for.
After falling short in the last two Olympics, the 23-year-old finally won gold at the Olympics. The man whose name is translated to "walk the dream" after his mother wanted him to understand the joy of pursuing a dream to make it come true, has finally completed that walk.
Final Standings:
Ayumu Hirano (JPN) - 96.00
Scotty James (AU) - 92.50
Jan Scherrer (SWI)- 87.25
Shaun White (USA) - 85.00
