Despite Shaun White claiming that the next Olympics will be his last, one would say the sport is in safe hands. Be it men’s or women’s events, several remarkable snowboarders have made it to the top in recent times. Significantly, Chloe Kim is one such athlete who has been carrying the mantle for a while.
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However, the sport recently made headlines as US snowboarder Maddie Mastro faced a horrific crash while competing for the 2022 Beijing Olympics. Painful as it was, the World No. 2 left the competition disappointed.
Maddie Mastro, the No. 2 U.S. women's halfpipe rider after Chloe Kim, withdrew from today's Olympic qualifier at Dew Tour after this first-run crash. pic.twitter.com/GMZBH5j49s
— Nick Zaccardi (@nzaccardi) December 19, 2021
US snowboarder crashes during Beijing Olympics 2022 qualifier
Notably, Maddie was the last woman to defeat Kim back at the 2019 Burton US Open. However, during her first run in the qualifying event, she crashed on top of the half-pipe. Attempting a trick, the US snowboarder misjudged her flight. She came crashing down on top of the ledge as she fell down on the half-pipe.
Replay of Maddie Mastro crash courtesy of @nzaccardi
Mastro has not finished any of the 3 US Halfpipe tryout events for Beijing. She didn't enter last week event in Copper Mountain and a training crash & concussion forced her out of the Aspen event final in March. https://t.co/N06sFQp3A8— TeamUSATracker (@TeamUSATracker) December 19, 2021
Following her crash, she did not take part in any of her second or third runs as the officials took her away. They later spoke about how she suffered an ankle injury, and thankfully, was lucky enough to escape with any more severe injuries.
On the business end of things, Kim stepped up and exhibited brilliance once again, reminding every why she is the best.
Chloe Kim is incredible
Deservingly, the reigning Olympic Champion was once again the favorite to win the competition. After a poor first and second run, she fought her way back in her final chance, putting on a fantastic performance that saw her leapfrogging to first place from seventh.
“That was so stressful. I hate when I’m in that situation when it comes to the third and final run. Just putting myself in those high-stress situations, especially with the Olympics coming up is pretty important. So, happy I was able to pull through,” said Kim.
Undoubtedly, the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics is setting up to be an incredible event. With many talented snowboarders making their way up the ranks, who do you think will win gold in 2 months from now?
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