Nico Porteous battled heavy wind gusts Saturday in the men’s freeski halfpipe final to capture New Zealand’s second-ever Olympic gold, joined on the podium by Americans David Wise and Alex Ferreira for a jumbled order of the 2018 PyeongChang medalists.
The reigning world and two-time X Games champion stomped back-to-back double cork 1620s in both directions on Run 1 to score a 93.00, ultimately earning him the title and upgrading his bronze from four years ago, claimed at just 16 years old.
Wise, entering as two-time defending gold medalist from Sochi and PyeongChang, paired back-to-back 1260s to close his first run for a 90.75. That held for silver, his third Olympic medal.
PyeongChang silver medalist Ferreira pole-twirled his way to an 86.75 on his first run, but wasn’t able to improve and took bronze.
SEE MORE: Nico Porteous wins ski halfpipe gold with back-to-back 1620s
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SEE MORE: Men’s Freeski Halfpipe Final
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