At the Snowboard and Freestyle Skiing Big Air World Cup held at Shougang Park in Beijing on Sunday, China’s Yang Wenlong soared to new heights by clinching the men’s bronze medal. This achievement marks a significant milestone in Yang’s burgeoning career as a snowboarder.
Yang’s performance was highlighted by a spectacular backside 1800 on his second run, earning him an impressive score of 81.25 points. His skillful execution propelled him to second place momentarily, showcasing his potential on the global stage.
Meanwhile, compatriot Su Yiming, the 2022 Winter Olympic gold medalist in the same event at this very venue, faced challenges. Despite high expectations, Su struggled to find his rhythm, failing to land his first two runs and ultimately finishing in 10th place.
Japan’s Hiroto Ogiwara emerged victorious, securing the gold medal with a total of 169.50 points. Italy’s Ian Matteoli claimed the silver, just four points behind Ogiwara. Matteoli made history by landing the first-ever frontside 2160 at a World Cup event, earning a remarkable score of 97.75 points.
The competition at Shougang Park, a legacy venue from the 2022 Winter Olympics, brought together some of the world’s most talented snowboarders. Yang Wenlong’s podium finish not only underscores his dedication and growth in the sport but also signals China’s rising prominence in international snowboarding competitions.
