Japan's Ogiwara Tops Men's Big Air Qualifying at 2026 Olympics
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina kicked off with a bang in the snowboarding world, as Japan's Hiroto Ogiwara claimed the top spot in men's big air qualifying. The 20-year-old sensation scored 178.5 points from his best two runs, positioning himself as a serious gold medal contender in this adrenaline-pumping event. Held under the floodlights in Livigno, Italy, the qualifying round showcased jaw-dropping jumps and set the stage for an electrifying final on Saturday.
Understanding Big Air Snowboarding at the Olympics
Big air snowboarding is one of the most spectator-friendly events in the Winter Games, combining creativity, height, and technical difficulty. Riders launch off a massive ramp—peaking at over 40 meters in Livigno—performing spins, flips, and board grabs before landing on a steep slope. In qualifying, athletes get three jumps, with the top two scores combined, dropping the lowest.
This discipline, introduced to the Olympics in 2018, has evolved rapidly. It's part of the park & pipe series, alongside halfpipe and slopestyle, emphasizing aerial prowess over terrain navigation. For 2026, the event highlights freestyle snowboarding's growth, with jumps reaching up to 20 meters high. Ogiwara's background as a natural jumper, influenced by his snowboarder father, makes him a perfect fit for this format.
Ogiwara's Record-Breaking Rise
Hiroto Ogiwara isn't just qualifying well—he's rewriting history. At the 2025 X Games, he landed the first-ever 2,340-degree jump (six-and-a-half rotations), shattering records and drawing comparisons to Japan's halfpipe legend Ayumu Hirano. Ogiwara, who idolizes the seven-time X Games medalist Hirano, credits him for inspiring a new generation of Japanese riders.
Japan's dominance in snowboarding is no secret; Hirano defended his halfpipe gold in previous Games despite injuries. With Ogiwara leading big air and Kira Kimura placing third in women's qualifying (173.25 points), the country is poised for multiple medals. Ogiwara's calm demeanor post-qualifying belies his excitement: "Big air feels natural to me—it's all about that perfect launch."
European Hopes and Global Competition
While Japan stole the headlines, Italy's Ian Matteoli kept the home crowd buzzing with a strong second-place finish at 174.5 points. As a Livigno native, the pressure was on, but Matteoli delivered spins and grabs that earned roars from the Alpine valley spectators. The event's nighttime setting, with snowflakes dancing under lights, added to the magic.
Reigning Olympic champion Su Yiming of China slotted in fourth (172.25 points), showing he's still a threat despite the competition heating up. The U.S. had a quieter night, with only Oliver Martin advancing in ninth. Mark McMorris, a Canadian big air favorite, unfortunately withdrew after a hard crash in training, underscoring the event's risks.
Big air's inclusivity draws diverse talents. Women’s qualifying saw similar intensity, with Japan's Kimura leading ahead of China's Yiming. The finals will feature the top 12 men and women, promising epic battles for podium spots.
Australian Perspective: Snowboarders Ready to Shine
For Australian fans, the 2026 Olympics represent a golden opportunity in winter sports. Despite the Southern Hemisphere's summer timing, the Aussie team has trained rigorously in the Alps and at home facilities like Perisher. Snowboarding has been a breakout area for Australia, with athletes like Torah Bright and Torah Haski leading the charge in past Games.
Recent news highlights an "Aussie snowboard gun" starting strong, though specifics on big air remain tight. The full Australian roster, announced weeks ago, includes promising talents in slopestyle and halfpipe, with injury doubts for a key star adding intrigue. Overall, Australia eyes its best Winter Olympics haul yet, building on Beijing 2022's three medals.
Venues like Livigno, a snowy gem in the Italian Alps, host not just big air but freestyle skiing aerials and moguls. The Milan Cortina Games emphasize sustainability, with eco-friendly snowmaking and cultural tributes to Italian icons during the opening ceremony.
What’s Next for Snowboarding at Milan Cortina 2026
The big air finals promise non-stop action, with riders pushing boundaries on tricks like the "double cork" and "switch grabs." Beyond big air, snowboarding's schedule includes halfpipe (where Hirano aims to defend), slopestyle, and snowboard cross. Expect viral moments, as seen in past Olympics, where social media amplifies these high-flying feats.
Challenges abound: Weather in the Alps can be unpredictable, and injuries like McMorris's remind us of the sport's physical toll. Yet, the athleticism and innovation keep fans hooked. For Australians, events like these bridge the geographical gap, inspiring young riders back home.
As the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympics unfold, snowboarding remains a highlight. Ogiwara's lead sets a thrilling tone—will Japan continue its mastery, or will underdogs like Matteoli upset the odds? Tune in for jumps that defy gravity and stories that captivate.
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