Yoo Seungeun, a 2008-born snowboarder, is making waves at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. She is competing for her second medal after the Korean team secured its first in snowboarding.
Big Air Qualifying Round Success
On March 9, 2026, Yoo delivered a stellar performance in the women’s snowboard big air qualifying at Livigno Snowpark, Italy. She amassed a total score of 166.50 points, finishing fourth overall and ensuring her spot in the final round.
Qualifying Round Performance Breakdown
- First Run: 80.75 points (6th place)
- Second Run: 77.75 points (9th place)
- Third Run: 88.75 points (1st place)
In the final, Yoo will begin her attempts in ninth place, utilizing the reverse order system for the competition. She has the opportunity to maximize her scores based on the best two attempts of three.
Understanding the Event
The snowboard big air competition features riders who descend steep slopes, launch off large jumps, and perform complex aerial maneuvers. Judges evaluate each run based on various criteria, including jump height, difficulty, and landing stability.
Key Competitors in the Qualifying Round
- Zoi Sadowski-Synnott (New Zealand) – 1st place, 172.25 points
- Murase Kokomo (Japan) – 2nd place, 171.25 points
- Mia Brookes (Great Britain) – 3rd place, 167.00 points
- Yoo Seungeun – 4th place, 166.50 points
A Remarkable Journey
This season has been transformative for Yoo Seungeun. After a tough start where she placed 27th in her first International Ski Federation Snowboard Big Air World Cup event, she rapidly improved. She achieved a sixth-place finish and secured a silver medal in a subsequent competition, raising expectations for her Olympic debut.
A Historic Achievement for Korean Snowboarding
Yoo has made history as the first Korean athlete to reach the big air final at the Olympics, demonstrating her exceptional skill and determination. As the final approaches, excitement builds around her potential to excel further in this prestigious event.
Stay tuned to El-Balad for the latest updates on Yoo Seungeun’s journey in the 2026 Winter Olympics.
