Kim Fourth, Schaffrick Fifth at Toyota U.S. Grand Prix
Two-time Olympic champion Chloe Kim led the Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team at the Toyota U.S. Grand Prix halfpipe contest at Copper Mountain, finishing just off the podium in fourth place. Maddy Schaffrick was close behind in fifth.
It was a stunning sunny Colorado day at Copper Mountain, with three Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team women competing in the 22-foot halfpipe. Sara Shimizu of Japan was first for the women, followed by Xuetong Cai of China and Mitsuki Ono of Japan.
It was Kim’s first comp back from injury and she threw down in standard form. Her first run was a stunner, but a hip bump on the ground as she slowed into the finish resulted in a low score. She put down both of her following two runs but it wasn’t quite enough to crack the top three.
Schaffrick landed her second two runs to take fifth place in front of friends and family. It was the first time many of them had seen her compete since she made the decision to return to competition after retiring in 2016. “It was really cool to have the support from my friends and family at the contest today,” said Schaffrick, who hails from nearby Steamboat Springs. “Coming off of the podium in China, I am excited to be back competing at a high level and it meant a lot to have the community support.”
After hitting the halfpipe deck on her final hit in qualifications, Maddie Mastro put down a safe and clean first run that had her in fourth place and in a good podium position. However, battling a sore ankle, she decided to play it safe and pulled out of the comp in order to compete at 100% the rest of the season.
The U.S. men had a strong day, but couldn’t top the impressive Japanese team, who swept the podium. Ayumu Hirano was first, Yuto Totsuka second and Ruka Hirano third.
Jason Wolle was the top U.S. man, finishing in seventh and tying his career best result. Joey Okesson put on a stylish run for eighth place and Chase Josey once again showed composure under pressure for a solid performance in ninth place.
The halfpipe team takes a well-deserved break for the holidays before returning to the iconic Laax Open in January.
Watch the tape delayed version of the Toyota U.S. Grand Prix finals on CNBC and Peacock on Saturday, Dec. 21 at 12 p.m. ET, or on demand on Outside TV with an Outside+ membership.
RESULTS
Women’s halfpipe
Men’s halfpipe
HOW TO WATCH
Friday, Dec. 20
8:00 pm –women’s Next X snowboard street style – LIVE on XGames.com
8:45 pm –men’s Next X snowboard street style – LIVE on XGames.com
Saturday, Dec. 21
12:00 pm – women and men’s Toyota U.S. Grand Prix snowboard finals – TAPE DELAYED on CNBC/Peacock
8:00 pm – women’s X Games snowboard street style – LIVE on XGames.com
8:45 pm – women’s X Games snowboard street style – LIVE on XGames.com
