Japan’s Kira Kimura triumphed in the men’s snowboarding Big Air event at the 2026 Winter Olympics, held at Livigno Snow Park in Valtellina, Italy. His exceptional performance included two impressive jumps, with the highlight being his best run: a switch backside 1980 weddle. This intricate move involves five and a half full horizontal rotations, showcasing Kimura’s remarkable skill.
Kira Kimura’s Stellar Performance
At just 21 years old, Kimura made an impressive comeback after missing the previous season due to an ankle injury. During the current season, he secured two second-place finishes in three World Cup events, solidifying his position as a top contender for the gold.
Competition Highlights
In the final, Kimura impressed judges with flawless execution. “It was truly impressive. He landed as if performing a straight air,” noted Rick Bower, the program director for the U.S. Snowboard Team. His repertoire also included a backside 1980 melon, scored as part of a best out of three attempts format.
Evolution of the Big Air Event
The Big Air event has seen significant advancements since its Olympic introduction in 2018. At the previous Olympics, Canadian Sebastien Toutant claimed victory with two 1620s, while at the 2022 games, Chinese teenager Su Yiming secured gold with two 1800s. In contrast, Kimura’s execution of two 1980s reflected the increasing technical difficulty athletes now aspire to achieve.
Medal Standings
- Gold: Kira Kimura (Japan) – switch backside 1980 weddle and backside 1980 melon
- Silver: Ryoma Kimata (Japan) – two 1980s
- Bronze: Su Yiming (China) – defending champion, completed two 1980s
Kimura’s gold medal in the Big Air event not only marks a personal victory but also demonstrates the ongoing progression and increasing difficulty of snowboarding tricks at the Winter Olympics. The level of competition continues to rise, with athletes achieving new heights in both skill and execution.
