MILANO CORTINA, 14 February 2026 – The snowboarding competition at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics reached a fever pitch yesterday as the men’s halfpipe final delivered one of the most technical displays in the sport’s history. Japan’s Yuto Totsuka claimed the gold medal with a staggering score of 95.00, edging out Australian veteran Scotty James in a high-stakes battle at the Olympic venue.
Totsuka Claims Gold in Halfpipe Thriller
In a final that many athletes described as “the biggest show ever,” Yuto Totsuka secured his place at the top of the podium on Friday, 13 February. Totsuka’s gold-medal run featured a level of precision that narrowly bested Australia’s Scotty James, who took home the silver. James had entered the final as the top qualifier after a dominant performance earlier in the week, but he could not quite match Totsuka’s final score in the medal round.
The American contingent also showed depth, with three riders—Alessandro Barbieri, Chase Josey, and Jake Pates—qualifying for the 12-man final. Barbieri, a rising star for Team USA, has been a focal point of the Games, though the podium remained dominated by the Japanese and Australian rivalry that has defined this Olympic cycle.
Chloe Kim Leads Women’s Field
On the women’s side, two-time reigning champion Chloe Kim remains the athlete to beat. During the qualification rounds held on 11 February, Kim secured the top spot with a score of 90.25. Despite the high mark, Kim told reporters her performance was only a “six out of 10,” signalling that she intends to push the boundaries of the sport even further during the upcoming finals.
The women’s qualifiers were not without drama; Australian rider Emily Arthur faced a tense wait at the top of the pipe following a serious crash by China’s Liu Jiayu, highlighting the extreme risks involved in the discipline.
Olympic Snowboarding History and Disciplines
Snowboarding has come a long way since its inclusion in the Olympic programme. First introduced at the 1998 Nagano Games, the sport initially featured only Giant Slalom and Halfpipe. It has since expanded to include high-octane events like Big Air and Slopestyle, reflecting its roots in the Winter X Games culture.
| Event/Discipline | Olympic Debut | Key Milestone |
|---|---|---|
| Halfpipe | 1998 (Nagano) | Chloe Kim becomes first woman to win back-to-back golds (2018, 2022). |
| Giant Slalom | 1998 (Nagano) | Later replaced/supplemented by Parallel Giant Slalom. |
| Parallel Giant Slalom | 2002 (Salt Lake City) | Added to the programme to increase head-to-head competition. |
| Snowboard Cross | 2006 (Turin) | Introduced a racing element to the freestyle-heavy sport. |
| Slopestyle | 2014 (Sochi) | Mark McMorris (CAN) wins inaugural bronze despite broken ribs. |
| Big Air | 2018 (PyeongChang) | Sébastien Toutant (CAN) became the first-ever men’s gold medallist. |
Latest Updates from the Slopes
- Mark McMorris Cleared: Canadian icon Mark McMorris has received medical clearance to compete in the Men’s Slopestyle. Despite recent injury concerns, McMorris confirmed his goals remain unchanged as he prepares for Monday’s qualifiers.
- Big Air Progress: Qualification for Men’s Big Air saw Hiroto Ogiwara and Ian Matteoli ease into the finals, while Zoi Sadowski-Synnott topped the women’s qualifiers earlier this week.
- Technological Edge: These Games have seen the widespread use of “drone cams,” providing viewers with unprecedented angles and high-speed visuals of the athletes’ aerial manoeuvres.
Environmental Challenges
The 2026 Games have also sparked discussions regarding the future of winter sports. Athletes and officials have noted the increasing reliance on artificial snow and the impact of a warming climate. Public insights from the Games suggest that 100% of the competing Olympians view climate change as a serious threat to the ecosystems required for snowboarding and skiing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the men’s snowboard halfpipe at Milano Cortina 2026?
Yuto Totsuka of Japan won the gold medal on 13 February 2026, with a score of 95.00.
When did snowboarding first become an Olympic sport?
Snowboarding made its official Olympic debut at the 1998 Winter Games in Nagano, Japan.
Is Mark McMorris competing in the 2026 Olympics?
Yes, the Canadian star has been cleared to compete in the Slopestyle event, with qualifying scheduled for Monday, 16 February.
What are the main snowboarding events in the Winter Olympics?
The current Olympic programme includes Halfpipe, Slopestyle, Big Air, Snowboard Cross, and Parallel Giant Slalom.