Irving Wins Overall Freeski Crystal Globe

U.S. Freeski Team athlete Birk Irving (Winter Park, Colo.) had a very successful weekend at the Toyota U.S. Grand Prix at Mammoth Mountain by not only winning the men’s halfpipe contest, but walking away with the National Championship award and the coveted FIS Halfpipe Ski World Cup Crystal Globe. 

Following the celebration of life of a fellow friend, husband, and U.S. Freeski Team athlete Kyle Smaine, Irving ultimately dedicated his finals day to Smaine. With Smaine there in spirit, Irving won his third contest of the season and took home his first-ever Crystal Globe. 

“I think it meant a lot to me because it was the first year that I gave it a real effort as well as had the potential to get the globe. Finals day itself was super special to me as well because I was surrounded by family, friends, and the warm spirit of Kyle. Yeah… it was just a super fulfilling moment for me.”

Irving scored a score of 94.00 (out of 100) to earn the top spot on the podium. In second place with a 93 was Canadian competitor Brendan Mackay, and rounding it out in 3rd was U.S.’s own David Wise with a 91.25. 

Irving was already the FIS points halfpipe leader heading into the Mammoth. In the 2022-23 season, Irving earned a second and sixth in the Calgary World Cups, first at the Copper Toyota U.S. Grand Prix, and took home an X Games silver medal. Irving will complete the World Cup tour 48 points above competitor Brendan Mackay, and 120 points above U.S. teammate Alex Ferreira. 

Additionally, with Irving’s Crystal Globe win, he and his younger sister, Svea Irving both earned the National Champion award for the U.S. Grand Prix World Cup Tour. Svea had an exceptional season, with a fourth place result at the Copper Toyota U.S. Grand Prix, a fifth and tenth place result in Calgary and a X Games bronze. 

Up next, the Irving siblings will compete in the Halfpipe World Championship in Bakuriani, Georgia, Feb. 19th - March 5th.