Snowboard fans, did you catch 🏂❄️ action on Friday at Copper Mountain? Mainland China's star Cai Xuetong was so close to a medal in the women's FIS Snowboard Halfpipe World Cup final-but ended up in fourth place.
Cai qualified in seventh spot, then dropped a solid first run scored 71.75 points, landing her in second after round one. Mainland China teammate Wu Shaotong struggled early, managing just 15.25 on her first try and ultimately finishing eighth.
Unfortunately for Cai, her second run unraveled from the third trick onward. Judges marked it a non-improvement, so her initial score stuck-leaving her just off the podium. 😢
Taking gold was 17-year-old Choi Gaon from the Republic of Korea, the only rider to smash past 90 points with a composed second run worth 94.50. Japan's Sena Tomita grabbed silver on 88.75, while U.S. youngster Bea Kim snagged bronze with 75.52.
For a region where winter sports aren't everyday viewing, seeing Asian riders shine on a U-shaped halfpipe is pure inspiration. From Mumbai to Manila, fans are buzzing about these rising stars-who do you think will land that podium spot next time? 🔥
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
