Jon Olsson Wins First-Ever Skiing Big Air Final at Winter X Games 12
Jan 27 2008 / Aspen, COTHE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN
Fans Vote On First-Ever Winter X Games Skiing Big Air Final
Fans Vote On First-Ever Winter X Games Skiing Big Air Final
Four world-class skiers duked it out and wowed a capacity crowd on Buttermilk Mountain tonight as ESPN Winter X Games hosted the first-ever Skiing Big Air Final.
Swedish sensation Jon Olsson won the gold medal, soaring over the 65-foot step-up gap with a double kangaroo flip accented with a Japan grab landing switch.
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Fan voting counted for 50% of the scoring at Big Air, and fans both at home and on-site instantly texted Winter X Games and made their voices heard. Professional skier Mike Douglas served as sports analyst and his expertise counted for the other 50%.
Hayden Christensen, star of the upcoming film "Jumper," spoke for the people after the text votes were tallied.
Olsson beat out Charles Gagnier in the final pairing; Gagnier busted out a switch 1260 with a double grab. Simon Dumont and Jacob Wester tied for third place.
There were no silver or bronze medals at this event – just gold.
"I love this competition, because I like flippin'," Olsson said. "Flippin's cool because it's all or nothing."
