Milan: Japan’s Murase Kokomo delivered a clutch final performance to win the women’s snowboard Big Air gold medal at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics on Monday, upgrading her bronze from Beijing 2022 to Olympic gold.
The 21-year-old world champion sealed victory with a superb final jump, finishing with a combined score of 179.00 to top a high-profile finals field. New Zealand’s Zoi Sadowski-Synnott claimed silver with 172.25, while South Korea’s teenage sensation Yu Seungeun secured bronze with 171.00.
Murase set the tone early, taking the lead in the opening round with a spectacular backside triple cork 1440 mute grab, earning 89.75, the highest single-run score of the competition. Yu entered medal contention with a strong first jump of 87.75, followed by a stunning frontside triple cork 1440 Indy grab on her second run to briefly take the lead.
Sadowski-Synnott endured a nervy start after falling on her opening attempt but recovered impressively in her second run with an 88.75 score. Sitting outside the podium positions heading into the final round, the Kiwi rider delivered under pressure, landing a switch backside 1260 mute grab to move into gold-medal position.
However, Murase responded in style on her final attempt, landing a clean frontside 1440 to reclaim the lead and secure Olympic gold.
Two-time defending Olympic champion Anna Gasser of Austria saw her bid for a historic third Big Air title end early after a fall on her first run and a reverted landing on her second, which eliminated her from medal contention.
Murase’s victory adds Olympic glory to her world championship title, confirming her status as one of the sport’s brightest stars.
Source: Milano Cortina
Photo credit: Milano Cortina/X
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