WATCH: Shaun White’s Rival Ayumu Hirano Dominates Halfpipe to Win Gold With Insane Run at Beijing Winter Olympics 2022

Finally, Ayumu Hirano picks up his first-ever Olympic gold medal. Shaun White has passed the torch to the sensational Ayumu Hirano. He is one of the best snowboarders in the world right now and has finally achieved his dreams of picking up an Olympic gold. Ever since he started competing, Hirano was dubbed to be the perfect heir to White’s throne. Thus, there are no doubts now.

After Australia’s James Scotty landed a sensational second run, Hirano came up big. His final run saw him perform tricks that no one has ever seen before as he won the Olympic gold medal. Safe to say, as one legend departs, another one has arrived.

Ayumu Hirano wins gold as Shaun White retires

He landed the first-ever triple cork in the competition, along with 1440, a frontside 1260, and smoothly transitioned it to the backside 1260. Grabbing the back of his snowboard doing 1440, he ended his perfect run with a score of 96.00. A stunning second similar run saw him score 91.75, although that run could have nailed him the gold. But, Hirano pulled off a White by matching his final run at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics.

During the 2018 Olympic Games, Hirano led the table until White’s final run. White went on to produce a stunning run in the final to take his scores above Hirano and fetch his third Olympic gold medal.

With that disappointment behind him, Australia’s Scotty James now scored 92.50 to lead the competition before Hirano arrived. Thus, it is a perfect moment of redemption for the sensational snowboarder from Japan.

WATCH: Shaun White’s Gold Medal Rival Creates History at Beijing Winter Olympics 2022

The triple cork

A new chapter has been written. With White ending his snowboarding career, it is time for the new kids on the block to take the sport forward. Hirano landing the triple cork is one of the incredible tricks to be done in the half-pipe competition. With smooth landings, as he goes high in the air for most of his tricks, he is a legend in the making. Just like White, his determination levels are off the charts.

Hence, he would be the man to watch in the upcoming half-pipe competitions. The gold medal solidifies his position as the best snowboarder in the world, as Ayumu Hirano is heading for the stars.

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