Alex Ferreira Clinches Halfpipe Gold, Completes Olympic Medal Collection
In a stunning performance, Alex Ferreira from the United States secured the gold medal in the men’s halfpipe final at the Milan Cortina Winter Games, completing his Olympic medal collection. The event took place in Livigno, Italy, where Ferreira, 31, delivered a remarkable third and final run, scoring 93.75 points.
Alex Ferreira’s Olympic Journey
This victory marks a significant achievement for Ferreira, who previously earned a bronze in 2022 and a silver in 2018. With this gold, he solidifies his position as a top competitor in freestyle skiing.
Close Competition in Halfpipe Finals
The halfpipe final was fiercely contested. Ferreira’s top score put him ahead of a young Estonian talent, Henry Sildaru, who claimed silver with 93 points. Sildaru’s performance was particularly impressive given his status as only 19 years old.
Canada’s Brendan Mackay, the reigning world champion, completed the podium by taking bronze. He achieved his score of 91 points with a last-minute run, narrowly pushing American Nick Goepper into fourth place.
Accidents and Challenges
The competition was not without its challenges. Nick Goepper experienced a significant crash but managed to walk away without serious injuries. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s Fin Melville Ives faced a more critical situation, as he was taken to the hospital on a stretcher following a serious incident during morning qualifiers.
Scoring in Halfpipe Competitions
In halfpipe skiing, participants navigate a U-shaped snow ramp. They perform aerial tricks, which are judged based on several criteria:
- Height of the jumps
- Difficulty of the tricks
- Variety of maneuvers
- Execution and overall performance
Ferreira’s victory contributes to the United States’ standing in the overall medals table, positioning the team second, behind Norway, and ahead of Italy. This performance not only highlights Ferreira’s skill but also emphasizes the competitiveness of the Winter Games.
