Chloe Kim and Scotty James Shine at World Championships in St. Moritz
In the picturesque setting of St. Moritz, Switzerland, the world of snowboarding witnessed a spectacular display of talent and determination as American snowboarder Chloe Kim and Australia’s Scotty James clinched the halfpipe gold medals at the world championships on Saturday. The event was a thrilling showcase of skill, with both athletes delivering performances that left fans and judges in awe.
Chloe Kim, a name synonymous with excellence in snowboarding, once again proved why she is considered one of the best in the sport. In the women’s final, Kim scored an impressive 93.50 in her first run, securing her third world title. This victory adds to her previous wins in 2019 and 2021, further cementing her legacy in the snowboarding world. Notably, Kim did not compete in the last edition of the championships, making her return to the top of the podium even more remarkable.
Standing alongside Kim on the podium were two talented Japanese snowboarders. The 15-year-old Sara Shimizu claimed the silver medal with a score of 90.75, showcasing her potential as a rising star in the sport. Her compatriot, Mitsuki Ono, took home the bronze with a score of 88.50, rounding out a strong performance by the Japanese team.
On the men’s side, Scotty James delivered a masterclass in snowboarding to claim his fourth world title. His second run score of 95.00 was enough to secure the gold, adding to his previous titles from 2015, 2017, and 2019. James’s journey back to the top was particularly sweet, as he had finished fifth at the last world championships. Reflecting on his achievement, James expressed his joy, saying, “I wanted to come back and finish it on top. To have won four world titles, I’m pinching myself.”
Once again, Japanese snowboarders made their mark in the men’s competition. Ruka Hirano won the silver medal, while Yuto Totsuka took bronze, demonstrating the depth of talent in Japan’s snowboarding ranks.
Key Highlights from the Championships:
- Chloe Kim’s triumphant return to the world championships, securing her third title with a score of 93.50.
- Sara Shimizu, at just 15 years old, impressively claimed silver with a score of 90.75.
- Scotty James’s fourth world title win, with a standout second run score of 95.00.
- Japanese snowboarders’ strong performances, with podium finishes in both the men’s and women’s events.
The world championships in St. Moritz not only highlighted the incredible talent of Chloe Kim and Scotty James but also showcased the promising future of snowboarding with young athletes like Sara Shimizu making their mark. As the snowboarding season continues, fans will undoubtedly be eager to see what these athletes will achieve next.
Originally Written by: ESPN.com
