Ben Lynch Qualifies for Winter Olympics Freestyle Halfpipe Final, Making Irish History
Ben Lynch has made history for Ireland by qualifying for the Winter Olympics freestyle skiing halfpipe final. He achieved this remarkable feat by finishing 11th in the qualifiers with a personal best score of 75.75. This marks the first time an Irish skier has reached the final stage of a Winter Olympics event.
Key Highlights from Lynch’s Performance
- Qualifying Performance: Lynch completed his first run with a score of 57.00, which set the stage for his second attempt.
- Second Run: He executed a right double cork 12, a trick he had not performed in training, which contributed to his top score.
- Final Score: His best score of 75.75 secured him a place in the finals, where he finished 11th overall.
Lynch’s Reaction
Following the qualification, Lynch expressed immense excitement, stating, “I’m feeling unbelievable. I’m so excited. Really, really grateful to be here and to make the finals is a cherry on top for me.” He emphasized the significance of being both an Olympian and a finalist.
Event Context
The qualification event faced delays due to heavy snowfall that pushed the schedule to the following day. Despite challenging conditions during the competition, which affected many competitors, Lynch performed exceptionally well.
Advantages of Height
As one of the taller competitors, Lynch noted that the larger halfpipe suited his capabilities. He remarked that it allowed him to perform bigger and more impressive tricks. “I skied better than I ever have today, and I’m just so, so excited to have made finals,” he stated.
Upcoming Final Details
The finals of the freestyle skiing halfpipe are set to take place today at 6:30 PM Irish time in Livigno. Fans await Lynch’s performance as he aims to continue his historic journey in the Winter Olympics.
