Japan’s Kira Kimura captured the first gold of the Milano Cortina Games in men’s snowboard big air, finishing with a total of 179.50 after a standout final trick.

Kimura secured gold by posting 90.50 on his final run, becoming the first rider to exceed 90 points on a single trick (switch backside 1980 mute grab).

Teammates Taiga Hasegawa and Hiroto Ogiwara also competed, with Hasegawa finishing 11th and Ogiwara facing landing difficulties for a best score of 34.75.

Italy’s Ian Matteoli finished fifth, narrowly missing bronze by 0.25 points after an 82.25 on his third jump.

Japan claimed a 1-2 finish in big air as Ryoma Kimata earned silver with 171.50 points, while China’s Su Yiming took bronze after a hand-down on the landing.

Kimura overtook his teammate Kimata for gold; Kimata finished silver with 171.50 points, and Su Yiming earned bronze.

The results fed expectations that Japan could post a record Winter Olympic medal haul in these Games, buoyed by a deep field of snowboarders.

Kimura said he overcame anxiety about tricks last year by focusing on execution and simply pushing through, leading to his breakthrough performance.

Ollie Martin, a 17-year-old from Colorado in his first Olympics, finished fourth with 163.00 after a late strong jump.

Kimura credited his victory to family, coach, and support, noting two near‑perfect 1980 backside tricks and adjustments after a flawed second jump.

The win signals a potential Olympic podium sweep for Japan in big air, following a bronze at the 2026 X Games for Kimura’s rising generation.

The event took place at Livigno, Italy, highlighting the depth of Japan’s big air team, including Kimura, Kimata, Hiroto Ogiwara, and Taiga Hasegawa.