Matteoli Nears Podium in Big Air Final; Kimura Claims Olympic Gold
In a thrilling contest at the Big Air Final in Livigno, Ian Matteoli narrowly missed the Olympic podium. The 20-year-old from Bardonecchia finished in fifth place, just six points shy of a medal.
Kira Kimura Claims Olympic Gold
The gold medal was secured by Japan’s Kira Kimura, who achieved an impressive score of 179.50 points. This victory marked a significant achievement for Kimura, who outperformed fellow countryman Ryoma Kimata, who took silver with a score of 171.50.
Medal Winners at Livigno Big Air Final
- Gold: Kira Kimura (Japan) – 179.50 points
- Silver: Ryoma Kimata (Japan) – 171.50 points
- Bronze: Yiming Su (China) – 168.50 points
- 5th: Ian Matteoli (Italy) – 162.50 points
- 6th: Oliver Martin (USA) – 163.00 points
- 7th: Dane Menzies (New Zealand) – 160.75 points
Matteoli’s performance was commendable, especially after regaining his composure following a fall in his first run. He managed to execute two impressive tricks, earning scores of 80.25 and 82.25 points, demonstrating both mental resilience and technical skill.
Despite his strong finish, Matteoli remains the first Italian athlete to reach the finals in Olympic Big Air history. The competition witnessed mixed results for other participants, with Japanese athletes Taiga Hasegawa and Hiroto Ogiwara struggling due to falls, ultimately placing them at the bottom of the standings.
The Big Air Final showcased the talent present in snowboarding, with competitors pushing their limits in high-stakes performances. As Matteoli and others look to the future, their experiences here will surely fuel their ambitions in upcoming competitions.
