Japan claimed a historic milestone Saturday night at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, as Kira Kimura delivered a stunning performance in the men’s snowboard big air final, earning the first snowboarding gold medal of the Games and Japan’s first-ever Olympic gold in the event.
The 21-year-old Olympic newcomer sealed the victory with a spectacular third run switch backside 1980, which earned the highest single score of the night (90.50) and pushed his total to 179.50 points. The clutch performance vaulted him past his teammate Ryoma Kimata, who finished with 171.50 points to secure the silver medal in a memorable night for Japan’s snowboarding program.
Kimura’s winning effort was built on consistency and difficulty. He opened with a nearly flawless backside 1980 melon that scored 89.00, then recovered from a shaky second run before delivering the gold-clinching final jump. The victory marks a breakthrough moment for the young rider, who finished third at the Winter X Games in January and is still seeking his first World Cup win on the international circuit.
Japan entered the Milan Cortina Games with medal hopes across multiple park and pipe disciplines, and Kimura’s triumph immediately validated those expectations.
China’s Su Yiming, the 2022 Beijing Olympic champion, captured bronze with 168.50 points after three aggressive runs. Su showcased his trademark amplitude, including nearly three seconds of airtime on a switch backside 1980 during his second attempt. The medal is Su’s third Olympic podium finish, adding to his 2022 big air gold and slopestyle silver, tying the record for the most Olympic medals by a snowboarder. He will have a chance to make history later in the Games when he competes in slopestyle.
One of the night’s most inspiring performances came from 17-year-old American Ollie Martin, who briefly sat in second place with 163.00 points before being pushed off the podium late in the competition. Afterward, U.S. Ski & Snowboard confirmed Martin competed with a broken arm, underscoring the determination of the Wolcott, Colorado, high school senior.
The final also featured disappointment for Hiroto Ogiwara of Japan, Thursday’s top qualifier and the two-time reigning Winter X Games champion, who finished 12th after falling on all three runs. On his final attempt, Ogiwara went for an ambitious 2340, but could not land the trick.
With big air complete, snowboarders now turn their attention to slopestyle, where qualifying begins Monday, Feb. 16, closing out the snowboarding competition in Milan Cortina.
Men’s Snowboard Big Air Final Results — Milan Cortina 2026
- 🥇 Kira Kimura (Japan) — 179.50
- 🥈 Ryoma Kimata (Japan) — 171.50
- 🥉 Su Yiming (China) — 168.50
- Ollie Martin (USA) — 163.00
- Ian Matteoli — 162.50
- Dane Menzies — 160.75
- Francis Jobin — 149.50
- Lyon Farrell — 124.25
- Rocco Jamieson — 112.25
- Valentino Guseli — 103.25
- Taiga Hasegawa — 100.50
- Hiroto Ogiwara — 34.75
