Anna Gasser Pursues Third Olympic Big Air Title

Anna Gasser is on the brink of achieving her third consecutive Olympic gold medal in big air snowboarding. However, she faces stiff competition from Zoi Sadowski-Synnott, the defending slopestyle champion. Gasser, a two-time gold medalist, qualified for the finals after a challenging performance in Livigno, Italy.

Strong Competition in Big Air Qualifiers

During the big air qualifiers, Sadowski-Synnott snagged the top position with an impressive score of 172.25 points from her best two jumps. Kokomo Murase, who earned bronze in 2022, finished second with 171.25 points. This success allowed Murase and three other Japanese riders to advance to the final.

• Zoi Sadowski-Synnott: 172.25 points
• Kokomo Murase: 171.25 points
• Anna Gasser: 159.50 points (9th place)

Gasser’s ninth-place finish among 29 competitors shows the intense competition. Despite a lower score than expected, her qualification keeps her Olympic dreams alive. Notably, no snowboarder has ever clinched three consecutive gold medals in the same event in Olympic history.

Historic Opportunity at Livigno

Gasser, known for her exceptional jumping skills, aims to make history. She won both big air events since its Olympic debut in 2018. Her chance solidified when fellow snowboard racer Ester Ledecka was eliminated from the parallel giant slalom on the same day.

Another contender for a three-peat is Chloe Kim, who is also eyeing her third Olympic gold in her event later this week. Sadowski-Synnott expressed relief after qualifying, stating that she hopes to enjoy the finals without added pressure.

Understanding Big Air Snowboarding

Big air consists of a single jump off a towering ramp. Here, riders perform a mix of spins, flips, and tricks. The ramp at Livigno stands over 40 meters tall, offering stunning views and breathtaking jumps, especially at night under floodlights. During qualification rounds, riders make three jumps, with their top two scores counted towards their final ranking.

As the finals approach, anticipation builds for what promises to be an exhilarating showdown. Gasser is determined to make her mark on Olympic history, while Sadowski-Synnott and others will be eager to claim the top spot.