Scenes from the 2018 Winter Olympics
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Silver medalist Kyle Mack, of West Bloomfield, reacts during the men's Big Air snowboard competition at the 2018 Winter Olympics.
Kirsty Wigglesworth, AP
Kyle Mack, of the United States, reacts after his jump during the men's Big Air snowboard competition.
Matthias Schrader, AP
Kyle Mack, of the United States, jumps during the men's Big Air snowboard competition.
Matthias Schrader, AP
Germany players celebrate after winning, 4-3, against Canada in the semifinal round of men's hockey Friday, Feb. 23, 2018, in South Korea.
Julio Cortez, Associated Press
Germany players celebrate after the semifinal round of the men's hockey game against Canada. Germany win 4-3.
Patrick Semansky, AP
Felix Schutz (55), of Germany, slams Maxim Noreau (56), of Canada, into the wall during the first period of the semifinal round of the men's hockey game.
Patrick Semansky, AP
Canada's Kevin Poulin (L) looks on as a goal is scored in the men's semi-final ice hockey match between Canada and Germany.
JUNG YEON-JE, AFP/Getty Images
Lars Helge Birkeland (front) of Norway shoots during the Men's 4x7.5km biathlon relay on Day 14 of the Olympics.
Matthias Hangst, Getty Images
Shani Davis of the U.S. waves after the men's 1,000 meters speed-skating race in what is believed to be his last Olympic race,.
Petr David Josek, Associated Press
Two fans dressed as Vikings and draped in the Norwegian national flag watch as Henrik Fagerli Rukke, of Norway, rear, competes in the men's 1,000 meters speed-skating race at the Gangneung Oval.
John Locher, Associated Press
Russian athlete Sergei Andronov (11) and Jan Kolar (29), of the Czech Republic, battle for the puck during the third period of the semifinal round of the men's hockey game.
Frank Franklin II, AP
A shirtless man clad in a tutu dances on the rink following the men's 1,000-meter speed-skating event medal ceremony.
Roberto Schmidt, Getty Images
Alina Zagitova of Olympic Athlete from Russia competes during the ladies single free-skate program on day 14.
Maddie Meyer, Getty Images
India Sherret, of Canada, crashes as Emily Sarsfield, of Britain, jumps during the women's ski-cross elimination round at Phoenix Snow Park.
Kin Cheung, Associated Press
Jocelyne Lamoureux #17, of the United States, celebrates after she scores a goal against Shannon Szabados #1, of Canada, in a shootout to win the Women's Gold Medal Game on day thirteen of the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympic Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre on February 22, 2018 in Gangneung, South Korea.
Bruce Bennett, Getty Images
The United States Women's Hockey team celebrates after winning the gold against Canada.
Frank Franklin II, AP
United States celebrates winning gold in the women's gold medal hockey game against Canada.
Matt Slocum, AP
Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson (17), of the United States, celebrates after winning against Canada in the women's gold medal hockey game.
Matt Slocum, AP
The United States team jubilates after defeating Canada during the men's curling semi-final match.
Aaron Favila, AP
Competitors ski during the women's 4x6-kilometer relay biathlon.
Andy Wong, AP
Silver medal winner Mikaela Shiffrin, left, of the United States, poses with gold medal winner Michelle Gisin, center, and bronze medalist Wendy Holdener, both of Switzerland, during the flower ceremony for the women's combined slalom.
Christophe Ena, AP
David Wise of the United States celebrates with his family after winning gold in the Freestyle Skiing Men's Ski Halfpipe Final.
David Ramos, Getty Images
United States' Mikaela Shiffrin competes in the women's combined downhill.
Alessandro Trovati, AP
Kevin Drury of Canada, Arnaud Bovolenta of France, Semem Denishchikov of Olympic athletes of Russia and Robert Winkler of Austria compete in the Freestyle Skiing Men's Ski Cross Quarterfinals on day 12.
Quinn Rooney, Getty Images
Bronze medalist team U.S.A. members Carlijn Schoutens, Mia Manganello, Brittany Bowe and Heather Bergsma, left to right, celebrate after the women's team pursuit speedskating race at the Gangneung Oval at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Gangneung, South Korea, Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018.
Petr David Josek, AP
Jessica Diggins, of the United States, celebrates after winning the gold medal in the during women's team sprint freestyle cross-country skiing final.
Matthias Schrader, AP
Jessica Diggins, left, of the United States, celebrates after winning the gold medal past Stina Nilsson, of Sweden, in the during women's team sprint freestyle cross-country skiing final.
Dmitri Lovetsky, AP
Russian athlete Sergei Kalinin (21) shoots the puck past goalie Lars Haugen (30), of Norway, for a goal during the second period of the quarterfinal round of the men's hockey game.
Matt Slocum, AP
Left to right: South Korea's Joo Hyong-Jun, Lee Seung-Hoon and Kim Min Seok compete in the men's team pursuit final A speed skating event.
ROBERTO SCHMIDT, AFP/Getty Images
Bronze medalist Team U.S.A. with Heather Bergsma, right, Brittany Bowe, center, and Mia Manganello compete during the women's team pursuit final speedskating race at the Gangneung Oval.
Vadim Ghirda, AP
USA's Mia Manganello, Brittany Bowe and Heather Bergsma celebrates winning the women's team pursuit final B speed skating event at the Gangneung Oval in Gangneung.
ARIS MESSINIS, AFP/Getty Images
USA's Jessica Diggins (L) and USA's Kikkan Randall celebrate winning gold in the women's cross country team sprint free final at the Alpensia cross country ski centre.
CHRISTOF STACHE, AFP/Getty Images
Referees break up fight between the United States and the Czech Republic players during the first period of the quarterfinal round of the men's hockey game, Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018.
Matt Slocum, AP
The United States' men's curling team celebrates after winning against Britain.
Aaron Favila, Associated Press
South Korea's skip Kim Changmin throws a stone during a men's curling match against Japan on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018.
Bernat Armangue, Associated Press
Eric Cobb walks through the seats with an umbrella before the quarterfinal round of men's hockey between the United States and the Czech Republic.
Jae C. Hong, Associated Press
United States hockey player Noah Welch reacts after the quarterfinal loss to the Czech Republic. That loss eliminated the Americans from medal contention.
Jae C. Hong, Associated Press
Madison Hubbell and Zachary Donohue of the United States perform during the ice dance, free dance figure skating final.
Julie Jacobson, AP
Madison Hubbell and Zachary Donohue of the United States perform during the ice dance, free dance figure skating final.
David J. Phillip, AP
Madison Hubbell and Zachary Donohue of the United States perform during the ice dance, free dance figure skating final.
Julie Jacobson, AP
Maia Shibutani and Alex Shibutani of the United States perform during the ice dance, free dance figure skating final.
Bernat Armangue, AP
Maia Shibutani and Alex Shibutani of the United States perform during the ice dance, free dance figure skating final.
Bernat Armangue, AP
Maia Shibutani and Alex Shibutani of the United States perform during the ice dance, free dance figure skating final.
Morry Gash, AP
Maia Shibutani and Alex Shibutani of the United States perform during the ice dance, free dance figure skating final.
David J. Phillip, AP
Maia Shibutani and Alex Shibutani of the United States perform during the ice dance, free dance figure skating final.
David J. Phillip, AP
Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States react after their performance in the ice dance, free dance figure skating final.
Julie Jacobson, AP
Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States perform during the ice dance, free dance figure skating final.
Aaron Favila, AP
Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States perform during the ice dance, free dance figure skating final.
Julie Jacobson, AP
Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States perform during the ice dance, free dance figure skating final at the Gangneung Ice Arena.
David J. Phillip, AP
Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States stumble and fall during their performance in the ice dance, free dance figure skating final.
Aaron Favila, AP
Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States fall during their performance in the ice dance, free dance figure skating final.
Aaron Favila, AP
Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States fall during the ice dance, free dance figure skating final at the Gangneung Ice Arena.
Morry Gash, AP
Canada goalie Shannon Szabados, right, deflects a shot by Russian athlete Yekaterina Nikolayeva during the second period of the semifinal round of the women's hockey game.
Matt Slocum, Associated Press
Gold medalist Havard Lorentzen of Norway celebrates setting a new Olympic record during the men's 500 meters speedskating race at the Gangneung Oval.
Petr David Josek, Associated Press
Driver Codie Bascue, front, and Sam McGuffie of the United States start their third heat during the two-man bobsled final.
Wong Maye-E, Associated Press
Driver Francesco Friedrich and Thorsten Margis of Germany start their third heat during the two-man bobsled final.
Wong Maye-E, Associated Press
Maciej Kot, of Poland, soars through the air during the men's large hill team ski jumping competition.
Matthias Schrader, Associated Press
Norway's Emil Hegle Svendsen aims his rifle during a biathlon training session.
Andrew Medichini, Associated Press
From left, Norway's Andreas Stjernen, Daniel Andre Tande, Robert Johansson and Johann Andre Forfang celebrate following their gold win in the men's large hill team ski jumping final round event.
Christof Stache, Getty Images
Jessika Jenson of the United States competes during the qualification of the women's snowboard big air event at the Alpensia Ski Jumping Centre.
Kirill Kudryavtsev, Getty Images
Gigi Marvin (19) celebrates with her United States teammates after scoring a goal against Finland during the first period of the semifinal round of the women's hockey game at the 2018 Winter Olympics.
Julio Cortez, Associated Press
Driver Jamie Greubel Poser and Aja Evans of the United States arrive at the finish area during a training run for the women's bobsled competition at the 2018 Winter Olympics.
Michael Sohn, Associated Press
Driver Nico Walther and Christian Poser of Germany crash in the finish area after the second run during the two-man bobsled competition at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018.
Michael Sohn, AP
Stanislau Hladchenko, of Belarus, crashes during the men's aerial final at Phoenix Snow Park at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018.
Kin Cheung, AP
Simon Schempp, of Germany, left, and Martin Fourcade, of France, right, race across the finish line during the men's 15-kilometer mass start biathlon at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018.
Andrew Medichini, AP
US Nicholas Goepper competes to place second in the men's ski slopestyle final during the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympic Games at the Phoenix Park in Pyeongchang on February 18, 2018.
LOIC VENANCE, AFP/Getty Images
South Korea's Kim Sangwook (L) and Canada's Mat Robinson clash in the men's preliminary round ice hockey match between Canada and South Korea during the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympic Games at the Gangneung Hockey Centre in Gangneung on February 18, 2018.
BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI, AFP/Getty Images
Jia Zongyang, of China, jumps during a training run prior to the men's aerial final at Phoenix Snow Park at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018.
Gregory Bull, AP
Lukas Runggaldier, of Italy, soars through the air during training for the nordic combined competition at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018.
Dmitri Lovetsky, AP
Tommy Kristiansen (15), of Norway, checks Sinan Akdag (82), of Germany, during the second period of the preliminary round of the men's hockey game at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Gangneung, South Korea, Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018.
Matt Slocum, AP
Mexico's Rodolfo Roberto Dickson Sommers completes the first run of the men's giant slalom at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018.
Christophe Ena, AP
Evan McEachran, of Canada, jumps during the men's slopestyle qualifying at Phoenix Snow Park at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018.
Gregory Bull, AP
Austria's Manuel Feller crashes during the first run of the men's giant slalom at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018.
Christophe Ena, AP
Choi Min-jeong of South Korea races ahead of Elise Christie, left, of Britain and Li Jinyu of China as they crash out of their women's 1500 meters short track speedskating semifinal in the Gangneung Ice Arena at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Gangneung, South Korea, Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018.
David J. Phillip, AP
Marit Bjoergen, top, of Norway, celebrates with Ingvild Flugstad Oestberg after winning the women's 4 x 5km relay cross-country skiing competition at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018.
Kirsty Wigglesworth, AP
Goalie Matt Dalton (1), of South Korea, dives for the puck by Bois Felicien Du, of Switzerland, during the second period of the preliminary round of the men's hockey game at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Gangneung, South Korea, Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018.
Bruce Bennett, AP
United States' Lindsey Vonn competes in the women's super-G.
Michael Probst, AP
United States' Lindsey Vonn reacts in the finish area after competing in the women's super-G.
Christophe Ena, AP
Noriaki Kasai, of Japan, takes off during qualification for the men's large hill individual ski jumping competition.
Dmitri Lovetsky, AP
Alla Tsuper, of Belarus, crashes during the women's freestyle aerial final at Phoenix Snow Park.
Lee Jin-man, AP
United States' Matt Hamilton, right, prepares to launch the stone during their men's curling match against Denmark.
Aaron Favila, AP
Resi Stiegler, of the United States, gets hung up in the gate during the first run of the women's slalom.
Jae C. Hong, AP
Katie Uhlaender of United States takes a curve on her second run during the women's skeleton competition.
Michael Sohn, AP
Dawid Kubacki of Poland soars through the air during qualification for the men's large hill individual ski jumping competition.
Matthias Schrader, AP
Deniss Vasiljevs, of Latvia, performs during the men's free figure skating final in the Gangneung Ice Arena.
David J. Phillip, AP
Kea Kuehnel, of Germany, runs the course during the women's slopestyle qualifying.
Kin Cheung, AP
Ryan Donato of the United States, celebrates after scoring a goal against Slovakia during the first period of the preliminary round of men's hockey.
Julio Cortez, AP
Adam Rippon of the United States reacts after his performance in the men's short program figure skating in the Gangneung Ice Arena.
David J. Phillip, AP
Seou Choi, of South Korea, soars through the air during training for the men's large hill individual ski jumping competition.
Dmitri Lovetsky, AP
Goalie Jan Laco of Slovakia, blocks a shot by Troy Terry of the United States, during the first period of the preliminary round of men's hockey.
Julio Cortez, AP
Ragnhild Haga, of Norway, celebrates after winning the gold medal in the women's 10km freestyle cross-country skiing competition.
Matthias Schrader, AP
Adam Rippon of the United States performs during the men's short program figure skating in the Gangneung Ice Arena.
Tim Donnelly, AP
Madeleine Egle, David Gleirscher, Peter Penz and Georg Fischler of Austria celebrate in the finish area after winning the bronze medal after the luge team relay.
Andy Wong, AP
Russian athlete Liubov Nikitina jumps during the women's aerials qualifying at Phoenix Snow Park.
Kin Cheung, AP
Mikaela Shiffrin, of the United States, talks to the media after her first run of the women's slalom.
Charlie Riedel, AP
Fans of the United States team cheer on their team in very cold weather during the luge team relay.
Michael Sohn, AP
Summer Britcher, in red, Chris Mazdzer, in green, Matt Mortensen and Jayson Terdiman of the United States react in the finish area after the luge team relay.
Andy Wong, AP
Mikaela Shiffrin, of the United States, celebrates her gold medal during the venue ceremony at the Women's Giant Slalom at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, Thursday, Feb. 15, 2018.
Jae C. Hong, AP
Mikaela Shiffrin, of the United States, skies to gold-medal victory in the Women's Giant Slalom at the 2018 Winter Olympics Thursday.
Jae C. Hong, AP
Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson (17), of the United States, and Marie-Philip Poulin (29), of Canada, compete for the puck during the second period of a preliminary round during a women's hockey game at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Gangneung, South Korea, Thursday, Feb. 15, 2018. Canada won 2-1.
Julio Cortez, AP
Gold medallist Ted-Jan Bloemen of Canada celebrates with the national flag after the men's 10,000 meters speedskating race on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2018.
Vadim Ghirda, AP
Supporters from North Korea cheer before the preliminary round of the men's hockey game between the Czech Republic and South Korea at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Gangneung, South Korea, Thursday.
Frank Franklin II, AP
Kalle Koblet, of Switzerland, Jan Kubicik, of the Czech Republic, Konstantin Schad, of Germany, Kevin Hill, of Canada, and Alessandro Haemmerle, of Austria, run the course during the men's snowboard cross elimination round at Phoenix Snow Park at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, Thursday, Feb. 15, 2018.
Kin Cheung, AP
Spectators arrive for the women's 1,000 meters speedskating race at the Gangneung Oval at the 2018 Winter Olympics.
John Locher, AP
In this multiple exposure image Natalia Zabiiako and Alexander Enbert of the Olmpic Athletes of Russia perform in the pair figure skating short program.
Julie Jacobson, AP
Hilary Knight, left, of the United States, blocks a shot by Canada as teammate goalie goalie Maddie Rooney, right, protects her net against Canada's Melodie Daoust during the first period of a preliminary round.
Julio Cortez, AP
Joergen Graabak, of Norway, soars through the air during the trial jump in the nordic combined competition.
Kirsty Wigglesworth, AP
China's Xue Chen passes the ball during a snow volleyball exhibition match at the Austria House in Pyeongchang, South Korea.
Felipe Dana, AP
United States skip Nina Roth, right, prepares to throw the stone during their women's curling match against Japan.
Aaron Favila, AP
Jayson Terdiman and Matthew Mortensen of United States take a curve on their first run during the men's doubles luge final.
Michael Sohn, AP
Georg Fischler and Peter Penz of Austria celebrate their silver medal winning run during the men's doubles luge final.
Andy Wong, AP
Peter Penz of Austria jumps as he and his teammate Georg Fischler, right, celebrates winning the silver medal during the men's doubles luge final.
Andy Wong, AP
Ryom Tae Ok and Kim Ju Sik of North Korea perform in the pairs free skate figure skating final in the Gangneung Ice Arena.
Bernat Armangue, AP
Shaun White, of the United States, celebrates winning gold after the men's halfpipe finals at Phoenix Snow Park at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2018.
Lee Jin-man, Associated Press
Shaun White jumps during the men's halfpipe finals.
Gregory Bull, Associated Press
Jake Pates, of the United States, jumps during the men's halfpipe finals.
Lee Jin-man, Associated Press
Shaun White, of the United States, celebrates winning gold in the halfpipe.
Lee Jin-man, Associated Press
Men's halfpipe gold medalist Shaun White bites his medal during the ceremony.
Patrick Semansky, Associated Press
Alexa Scimeca Knierim and Chris Knierim of the United States perform in the pair figure-skating short program.
Morry Gash, Associated Press
Alexa Scimeca Knierim and Chris Knierim of the United States perform in the pair figure-skating short program.
Julie Jacobson, Associated Press
Alexa Scimeca Knierim and Chris Knierim of the United States react as they wait for their scores to be posted following their performance in the pair figure-skating short program on Valentine's Day.
Bernat Armangue, Associated Press
United States' skip Nina Roth, below, throws the stone beside teammate Becca Hamilton during a women's curling match against Japan.
Natacha Pisarenko, Associated Press
Jordan Greenway of the United States, shoots the puck past goaltender Gasper Kroselj of Slovenia, for a goal during the second period of the preliminary round.
Frank Franklin II, AP
Matt Gilroy (97), of the United States, reacts with goalie Ryan Zapolski (30), and Ryan Donato (16) after Jan Mursak (39), of Slovenia, scores the winning goal during the overtime period.
Frank Franklin II, Associated Press
Sascha Benecken and Toni Eggert of Germany celebrate their bronze medal-winning run during the men's doubles luge.
Andy Wong, Associated Press
Gold winner ChloeKim, of the United States, and bronze winner ArielleGold, of the United States, celebrate after the women's halfpipe finals at Phoenix Snow Park at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2018.
Gregory Bull, AP
ChloeKim, of the United States, jumps during the women's halfpipe finals.
Gregory Bull, AP
Switzerland's Justin Murisier skis during the downhill portion of the men's combined.
Alessandro Trovati, AP
A fan of SarkaPancochova, of the Czech Republic, waits for competition to begin prior to the women's slopestyle final at Phoenix Snow Park.
Lee Jin-man, AP
United States' TedLigety skis during the downhill portion of the men's combined.
Michael Probst, AP
Shaun White, of the United States, jumps during the men's halfpipe qualifying at Phoenix Snow Park.
Lee Jin-man, AP
Shaun White, of the United States, jumps during the men's halfpipe qualifying.
Kin Cheung, AP
A fan waits before the preliminary round of the women's hockey game between Canada and Finland.
Frank Franklin II, AP
BenFerguson, of the United States, jumps during the men's halfpipe qualifying.
Gregory Bull, AP
Emily Sweeney of the United States competes in her third heat during the women's luge final.
Wong Maye-E, AP
Emily Sweeney of the United States brakes after her third run during the women's luge final.
Andy Wong, AP
Samuel Girard, left, of Canada is airborne after colliding with Sjinkie Knegt of the Netherlands during their men's 5000 meters short track speedskating relay heat in the Gangneung Ice Arena.
Julie Jacobson, AP
Shani Davis of the U.S., right, and Bart Swings of Belgium compete during the men's 1,500 meters speedskating race.
Vadim Ghirda, AP
Gold medallist Kjeld Nuis of The Netherlands, center, and silver medallist Patrick Roest of The Netherlands, left, imitate Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt, on the podium with bronze medallist Kim Min-seok of South Korea, right, after the men's 1,500 meters speedskating race at the Gangneung Oval.
John Locher, AP
Dani Cameranesi of the United States, chases the puck against Russian athlete Angelina Goncharenko during the third period of the preliminary round of the women's hockey game.
Matt Slocum, AP
Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson (17), of the United States, celebrates her second goal against the team from Russia with Kelly Pannek (12) during the second period of the preliminary round of the women's hockey game.
Frank Franklin II, AP
Fans cheer during the second period of the preliminary round of the women's hockey game between the United States and the team from Russia.
Frank Franklin II, AP
Spectators sport headwear shaped as curling stones as they watch the mixed doubles curling finals match against Canada and Switzerland.
Aaron Favila, AP
Nika Kriznar, of Slovenia, soars through the air during the women's normal hill individual ski jumping competition at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, on Monday, Feb. 12, 2018.
Matthias Schrader, Associated Press
JamieAnderson, of the United States, jumps during the women's slopestyle final at Phoenix Snow Park.
Gregory Bull, Associated Press
Gold medalist US Jamie Anderson celebrates during the victory ceremony after the women's snowboard slopestyle final event at the Phoenix Park.
Loic Venance, Getty Images
Women's slopestyle medalists, from right, Canada's LaurieBlouin, silver, United States' JamieAnderson, gold, and Finland's EnniRukajarvi, bronze, pose with their medals.
Jae C. Hong, Associated Press
Chris Mazdzer of United States celebrates his silver-medal final run during final heats of the men's luge competition.
Michael Sohn, Associated Press
David Gleirscher of Austria is congratulated by a teammate after winning gold while Chris Mazdzer of the United States celebrates in the background after he won silver in the luge men's singles.
Ezra Shaw, Getty Images
From left, the United States' silver-medalist Chris Mazdzer, Austria's gold-medalist David Gleirscher and Germany's bronze-medalist Johannes Ludwig celebrate on the podium.
Fabrice Coffrini, Getty Images
Johansson Erica Uden (21), of Sweden, scores a goal against South Korea goalie Shin So-jung, of the combined Koreas team, during the first period of the preliminary round of women's hockey.
Kyung Hoon Kim, Associated Press
Norway's Magnus Nedregotten throws the stone during the curling mixed-doubles tiebreaker game at the Gangneung Curling Centre in Gangneung, South Korea, on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2018.
Wang Zhao, Getty Images
In this multiple exposure photo, AndiNaude, of Canada, jumps during the women's moguls finals at Phoenix Snow Park.
Gregory Bull, Associated Press
This multiple-exposure photo shows Japan's Miho Takagi warming up for the women's 1,500-meter speed-skating event.
Roberto Schmidt, Getty Images
Japan's Asami Hirono competes in a run of the women's snowboard slopestyle final.
Loic Venance, Getty Images
Canada's Scott Moir (L) and Canada's Tessa Virtue (C) react after competing in the figure skating team event ice dance free dance during the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympic Games at the Gangneung Ice Arena in Gangneung on February 12, 2018.
ROBERTO SCHMIDT, AFP/Getty Images
Joseph Luke Cecchini of Italy starts his men's skeleton training session at the Olympic Sliding Centre, during the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea on February 12, 2018.
MARK RALSTON, AFP/Getty Images
Redmond Gerard, of the United States, jumps during the men's slopestyle qualifying at Phoenix Snow Park.
Kin Cheung, AP
Gold medalist Redmond Gerard of the United States celebrates on the podium during the Medal Ceremony for the Men's Snowboard Slopestyle on day two of the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympic Games at Medal Plaza on February 11, 2018 in Pyeongchang-gun, South Korea.
Andreas Rentz, Getty Images
Supporters of US Redmond Gerard celebrate after the qualification for the men's snowboard slopestyle at the Phoenix Park.
LOIC VENANCE, AFP/Getty Images
Charlotte Kalla, of Sweden, celebrates after winning the gold medal in the women's 7.5km /7.5km skiathlon cross-country skiing competition.
Matthias Schrader, AP
France's Anais Bescond reacts after crossing the finish line of the women's 7,5 km sprint biathlon event.
ODD ANDERSEN, AFP/Getty Images
Sweden's Charlotte Kalla competes in the women's 7.5km + 7.5km cross-country skiathlon at the Alpensia cross country ski centre.
FRANCK FIFE, AFP/Getty Images
North Korean cheeleaders attend the Men's 1500m Short Track Speed Skating qualifying on day one.
Richard Heathcote, Getty Images
From right, Charlotte Gilmartin of Britain, Petra Jaszapati of Hungary and Emina Malagich of the Olympic Athletes of Russia crash in the ladies' 500 meters short-track speedskating in the Gangneung Ice Arena.
Bernat Armangue, AP
Casey Larson of the United States makes a jump during the Ski Jumping - Men's Normal Hill Individual Final.
Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images
Lara Stalder #7 of Switzerland scores a goal against So Jung Shin #31 of Korea in the third period during the Women's Ice Hockey Preliminary Round - Group B.
Bruce Bennett, Getty Images
US players prepare for the start of their match against Finland in the women's preliminary round ice hockey match between Finland and the US during the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympic Games at the Kwandong Hockey Centre.
RONALD MARTINEZ, AFP/Getty Images
Madeline Rooney #35 of the United States lays on the ice after a play against Team Finland during the Women's Ice Hockey Preliminary Round - Group A game on day two.
Bruce Bennett, Getty Images
Monique Lamoureux-Morando (7), of the United States, takes a punch from Rosa Lindstedt (4), of Finland, during the second period of the preliminary round of the women's hockey game.
Frank Franklin II, AP
Canada's Andi Naude competes in the women's moguls final 1 during the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympic Games at the Phoenix Park.
MARTIN BUREAU, AFP/Getty Images
(From L) Russia's Denis Spitsov, Russia's Andrey Larkov and Norway's Simen Hegstad Krueger recover after colliding at the start of the men's 15km + 15km cross-country skiathlon at the Alpensia cross country ski centre.
ODD ANDERSEN, AFP/Getty Images
USA's Alex Shibutani and USA's Maia Shibutani compete in the figure skating team event ice dance short dance.
MLADEN ANTONOV, AFP/Getty Images
Japan's Kana Muramoto and Japan's Chris Reed compete in the figure skating team event ice dance short dance during the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympic Games at the Gangneung Ice Arena.
ARIS MESSINIS, AFP/Getty Images
Finland's Mira Jalosuo (top) checks USA's Haley Skarupa in the first period of the women's preliminary round ice hockey match between Finland and the US.
GRIGORY DUKOR, AFP/Getty Images
Morgan Schild of the United States trains during warmup ahead of the Freestyle Skiing Ladies' Moguls Final on day two of the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympic Games at Phoenix Snow Park.
Clive Mason, Getty Images
Chris Mazdzer of the United States celebrates winning the silver medal following run 4 during the Luge Men's Singles on day two of the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympic Games at Olympic Sliding Centre.
Alexander Hassenstein, Getty Images
Peetu Piiroinen, of Finland, jumps during the men's slopestyle qualifying at Phoenix Snow Park at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, on Feb. 10, 2018.
Gregory Bull, AP
Team USA fans cheer during a weather delay prior to the men's slopestyle qualifying at Phoenix Snow Park on Feb. 10, 2018.
Kin Cheung, AP
ChrisCorning, of the United States, looks at his score during the men's slopestyle qualifying at Phoenix Snow Park on Feb. 10, 2018.
Kin Cheung, AP
KyleMack, of the United States, jumps during the men's slopestyle qualifying at Phoenix Snow Park on Feb. 10, 2018.
Gregory Bull, AP
Russia's Evgenia Tarasova and Russia's Vladimir Morozov compete in the figure skating team event pair skating short program during the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympic Games at the Gangneung Ice Arena in Gangneung on Feb. 9, 2018.
MLADEN ANTONOV, AFP/Getty Images
Germany's Aljona Savchenko, left, and Germany's Bruno Massot compete in the figure skating team event pair skating short program during the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympic Games at the Gangneung Ice Arena in Gangneung on Feb. 9, 2018.
MLADEN ANTONOV, AFP/Getty Images
Kim Kyuen and Kam Alex Kang Chan of South Korea perform in the pair skating short program team event on Feb. 9, 2018.
Julie Jacobson, AP
Alexa Scimeca Knierim and Chris Knierim of the USA perform in the pair skating short program team event on Feb. 9, 2018.
Bernat Armangue, AP
Alexa Scimeca Knierim and Chris Knierim of the USA react after their performance in the pair skating short program team event on Friday, Feb. 9, 2018.
David J. Phillip, AP
Evgenia Tarasova and Vladimir Morozov of the Olympic Athletes of Russia perform in the pair skating short program team event on Feb. 9, 2018.
David J. Phillip, AP
Miu Suzaki and Ryuichi Kihara of Japan perform in the pair skating short program team event on Feb. 9, 2018.
Bernat Armangue, AP
Yu Xiaoyu and Zhang Hao of China perform in the pair skating short program team event on Feb. 9, 2018.
Julie Jacobson, AP
Meagan Duhamel and Eric Radford of Canada perform in the pair skating short program team event on Feb. 9, 2018.
David J. Phillip, AP
Vanessa James and Morgan Cipres of France perform in the pair skating short program team event on Feb. 9, 2018.
David J. Phillip, AP
Nicole Della Monica and Matteo Guarise, of Italy, perform in the pair skating short program team event on Feb. 9, 2018.
Morry Gash, AP
JussiPenttala, of Finland, runs the course during the men's moguls qualifying at Phoenix Snow Park on Feb. 9, 2018.
Gregory Bull, AP
Volunteers watch as skiers approach the finish of men's downhill training at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Jeongseon, South Korea, Friday, Feb. 9, 2018. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Christophe Ena, AP
Olympic Athlete from Russia Aleksandr Krushelnitckii throws a stone during a mixed doubles curling match against Finland on Feb. 9, 2018.
Felipe Dana, AP
Canada's Kaitlyn Lawes, left, and Olympic Athlete from Russia Aleksandr Krushelnitckii prepare to throw their stone during the mixed doubles curling match on Feb. 9, 2018.
Aaron Favila, AP
Israel's Alexei Bychenko performs in the men's single short program team event on Feb. 9, 2018.
Julie Jacobson, AP
Israel's Alexei Bychenko reacts as he watches his score in the men's single short program team event on Feb. 9, 2018.
Bernat Armangue, AP
Japan's Shoma Uno performs in the men's single short program team event on Feb. 9, 2018.
Julie Jacobson, AP
France's Chafik Besseghier performs in the men's single short program team event on Feb. 9, 2018.
David J. Phillip, AP
Italy's Matteo Rizzo performs in the men's single short program team event on Feb. 9, 2018.
David J. Phillip, AP
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Replay
![Silver medalist Kyle Mack, of West Bloomfield, reacts]()
1 of 201![Kyle Mack, of the United States, reacts after his jump]()
2 of 201![Kyle Mack, of the United States, jumps during the men's]()
3 of 201![Germany players celebrate after winning, 4-3, against]()
4 of 201![Germany players celebrate after the semifinal round]()
5 of 201![Felix Schutz (55), of Germany, slams Maxim Noreau (56),]()
6 of 201![Canada's Kevin Poulin (L) looks on as a goal is scored]()
7 of 201![Lars Helge Birkeland (front) of Norway shoots during]()
8 of 201![Shani Davis of the U.S. waves after the men's 1,000]()
9 of 201![Two fans dressed as Vikings and draped in the Norwegian]()
10 of 201![Russian athlete Sergei Andronov (11) and Jan Kolar]()
11 of 201![A shirtless man clad in a tutu dances on the rink following]()
12 of 201![Alina Zagitova of Olympic Athlete from Russia competes]()
13 of 201![India Sherret, of Canada, crashes as Emily Sarsfield,]()
14 of 201![Jocelyne Lamoureux #17, of the United States, celebrates]()
15 of 201![The United States Women's Hockey team celebrates after]()
16 of 201![United States celebrates winning gold in the women's]()
17 of 201![Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson (17), of the United States,]()
18 of 201![The United States team jubilates after defeating Canada]()
19 of 201![Competitors ski during the women's 4x6-kilometer relay]()
20 of 201![Silver medal winner Mikaela Shiffrin, left, of the]()
21 of 201![David Wise of the United States celebrates with his]()
22 of 201![United States' Mikaela Shiffrin competes in the women's]()
23 of 201![Kevin Drury of Canada, Arnaud Bovolenta of France,]()
24 of 201![Bronze medalist team U.S.A. members Carlijn Schoutens,]()
25 of 201![Jessica Diggins, of the United States, celebrates after]()
26 of 201![Jessica Diggins, left, of the United States, celebrates]()
27 of 201![Russian athlete Sergei Kalinin (21) shoots the puck]()
28 of 201![Left to right: South Korea's Joo Hyong-Jun, Lee Seung-Hoon]()
29 of 201![Bronze medalist Team U.S.A. with Heather Bergsma, right,]()
30 of 201![USA's Mia Manganello, Brittany Bowe and Heather Bergsma]()
31 of 201![USA's Jessica Diggins (L) and USA's Kikkan Randall]()
32 of 201![Referees break up fight between the United States and]()
33 of 201![The United States' men's curling team celebrates after]()
34 of 201![South Korea's skip Kim Changmin throws a stone during]()
35 of 201![Eric Cobb walks through the seats with an umbrella]()
36 of 201![United States hockey player Noah Welch reacts after]()
37 of 201![Madison Hubbell and Zachary Donohue of the United States]()
38 of 201![Madison Hubbell and Zachary Donohue of the United States]()
39 of 201![Madison Hubbell and Zachary Donohue of the United States]()
40 of 201![Maia Shibutani and Alex Shibutani of the United States]()
41 of 201![Maia Shibutani and Alex Shibutani of the United States]()
42 of 201![Maia Shibutani and Alex Shibutani of the United States]()
43 of 201![Maia Shibutani and Alex Shibutani of the United States]()
44 of 201![Maia Shibutani and Alex Shibutani of the United States]()
45 of 201![Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States react]()
46 of 201![Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States perform]()
47 of 201![Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States perform]()
48 of 201![Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States perform]()
49 of 201![Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States stumble]()
50 of 201![Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States fall]()
51 of 201![Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States fall]()
52 of 201![Canada goalie Shannon Szabados, right, deflects a shot]()
53 of 201![Gold medalist Havard Lorentzen of Norway celebrates]()
54 of 201![Driver Codie Bascue, front, and Sam McGuffie of the]()
55 of 201![Driver Francesco Friedrich and Thorsten Margis of Germany]()
56 of 201![Maciej Kot, of Poland, soars through the air during]()
57 of 201![Norway's Emil Hegle Svendsen aims his rifle during]()
58 of 201![From left, Norway's Andreas Stjernen, Daniel Andre]()
59 of 201![Jessika Jenson of the United States competes during]()
60 of 201![Gigi Marvin (19) celebrates with her United States]()
61 of 201![Driver Jamie Greubel Poser and Aja Evans of the United]()
62 of 201![Driver Nico Walther and Christian Poser of Germany]()
63 of 201![Stanislau Hladchenko, of Belarus, crashes during the]()
64 of 201![Simon Schempp, of Germany, left, and Martin Fourcade,]()
65 of 201![US Nicholas Goepper competes to place second in the]()
66 of 201![South Korea's Kim Sangwook (L) and Canada's Mat Robinson]()
67 of 201![Jia Zongyang, of China, jumps during a training run]()
68 of 201![Lukas Runggaldier, of Italy, soars through the air]()
69 of 201![Tommy Kristiansen (15), of Norway, checks Sinan Akdag]()
70 of 201![Mexico's Rodolfo Roberto Dickson Sommers completes]()
71 of 201![Evan McEachran, of Canada, jumps during the men's slopestyle]()
72 of 201![Austria's Manuel Feller crashes during the first run]()
73 of 201![Choi Min-jeong of South Korea races ahead of Elise]()
74 of 201![Marit Bjoergen, top, of Norway, celebrates with Ingvild]()
75 of 201![Goalie Matt Dalton (1), of South Korea, dives for the]()
76 of 201![United States' Lindsey Vonn competes in the women's]()
77 of 201![United States' Lindsey Vonn reacts in the finish area]()
78 of 201![Noriaki Kasai, of Japan, takes off during qualification]()
79 of 201![Alla Tsuper, of Belarus, crashes during the women's]()
80 of 201![United States' Matt Hamilton, right, prepares to launch]()
81 of 201![Resi Stiegler, of the United States, gets hung up in]()
82 of 201![Katie Uhlaender of United States takes a curve on her]()
83 of 201![Dawid Kubacki of Poland soars through the air during]()
84 of 201![Deniss Vasiljevs, of Latvia, performs during the men's]()
85 of 201![Kea Kuehnel, of Germany, runs the course during the]()
86 of 201![Ryan Donato of the United States, celebrates after]()
87 of 201![Adam Rippon of the United States reacts after his performance]()
88 of 201![Seou Choi, of South Korea, soars through the air during]()
89 of 201![Goalie Jan Laco of Slovakia, blocks a shot by Troy]()
90 of 201![Ragnhild Haga, of Norway, celebrates after winning]()
91 of 201![Adam Rippon of the United States performs during the]()
92 of 201![Madeleine Egle, David Gleirscher, Peter Penz and Georg]()
93 of 201![Russian athlete Liubov Nikitina jumps during the women's]()
94 of 201![Mikaela Shiffrin, of the United States, talks to the]()
95 of 201![Fans of the United States team cheer on their team]()
96 of 201![Summer Britcher, in red, Chris Mazdzer, in green, Matt]()
97 of 201![Mikaela Shiffrin, of the United States, celebrates]()
98 of 201![Mikaela Shiffrin, of the United States, skies to gold-medal]()
99 of 201![Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson (17), of the United States,]()
100 of 201![Gold medallist Ted-Jan Bloemen of Canada celebrates]()
101 of 201![Supporters from North Korea cheer before the preliminary]()
102 of 201![Kalle Koblet, of Switzerland, Jan Kubicik, of the Czech]()
103 of 201![Spectators arrive for the women's 1,000 meters speedskating]()
104 of 201![In this multiple exposure image Natalia Zabiiako and]()
105 of 201![Hilary Knight, left, of the United States, blocks a]()
106 of 201![Joergen Graabak, of Norway, soars through the air during]()
107 of 201![China's Xue Chen passes the ball during a snow volleyball]()
108 of 201![United States skip Nina Roth, right, prepares to throw]()
109 of 201![Jayson Terdiman and Matthew Mortensen of United States]()
110 of 201![Georg Fischler and Peter Penz of Austria celebrate]()
111 of 201![Peter Penz of Austria jumps as he and his teammate]()
112 of 201![Ryom Tae Ok and Kim Ju Sik of North Korea perform in]()
113 of 201![Shaun White, of the United States, celebrates winning]()
114 of 201![Shaun White jumps during the men's halfpipe finals.]()
115 of 201![Jake Pates, of the United States, jumps during the]()
116 of 201![Shaun White, of the United States, celebrates winning]()
117 of 201![Men's halfpipe gold medalist Shaun White bites his]()
118 of 201![Alexa Scimeca Knierim and Chris Knierim of the United]()
119 of 201![Alexa Scimeca Knierim and Chris Knierim of the United]()
120 of 201![Alexa Scimeca Knierim and Chris Knierim of the United]()
121 of 201![United States' skip Nina Roth, below, throws the stone]()
122 of 201![Jordan Greenway of the United States, shoots the puck]()
123 of 201![Matt Gilroy (97), of the United States, reacts with]()
124 of 201![Sascha Benecken and Toni Eggert of Germany celebrate]()
125 of 201![Gold winner Chloe Kim, of the United States, and bronze]()
126 of 201![Chloe Kim, of the United States, jumps during the women's]()
127 of 201![Switzerland's Justin Murisier skis during the downhill]()
128 of 201![A fan of Sarka Pancochova, of the Czech Republic, waits]()
129 of 201![United States' Ted Ligety skis during the downhill]()
130 of 201![Shaun White, of the United States, jumps during the]()
131 of 201![Shaun White, of the United States, jumps during the]()
132 of 201![A fan waits before the preliminary round of the women's]()
133 of 201![Ben Ferguson, of the United States, jumps during the]()
134 of 201![Emily Sweeney of the United States competes in her]()
135 of 201![Emily Sweeney of the United States brakes after her]()
136 of 201![Samuel Girard, left, of Canada is airborne after colliding]()
137 of 201![Shani Davis of the U.S., right, and Bart Swings of]()
138 of 201![Gold medallist Kjeld Nuis of The Netherlands, center,]()
139 of 201![Dani Cameranesi of the United States, chases the puck]()
140 of 201![Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson (17), of the United States,]()
141 of 201![Fans cheer during the second period of the preliminary]()
142 of 201![Spectators sport headwear shaped as curling stones]()
143 of 201![Nika Kriznar, of Slovenia, soars through the air during]()
144 of 201![Jamie Anderson, of the United States, jumps during]()
145 of 201![Gold medalist US Jamie Anderson celebrates during the]()
146 of 201![Women's slopestyle medalists, from right, Canada's]()
147 of 201![Chris Mazdzer of United States celebrates his silver-medal]()
148 of 201![David Gleirscher of Austria is congratulated by a teammate]()
149 of 201![From left, the United States' silver-medalist Chris]()
150 of 201![Johansson Erica Uden (21), of Sweden, scores a goal]()
151 of 201![Norway's Magnus Nedregotten throws the stone during]()
152 of 201![In this multiple exposure photo, Andi Naude, of Canada,]()
153 of 201![This multiple-exposure photo shows Japan's Miho Takagi]()
154 of 201![Japan's Asami Hirono competes in a run of the women's]()
155 of 201![Canada's Scott Moir (L) and Canada's Tessa Virtue (C)]()
156 of 201![Joseph Luke Cecchini of Italy starts his men's skeleton]()
157 of 201![Redmond Gerard, of the United States, jumps during]()
158 of 201![Gold medalist Redmond Gerard of the United States celebrates]()
159 of 201![Supporters of US Redmond Gerard celebrate after the]()
160 of 201![Charlotte Kalla, of Sweden, celebrates after winning]()
161 of 201![France's Anais Bescond reacts after crossing the finish]()
162 of 201![Sweden's Charlotte Kalla competes in the women's 7.5km]()
163 of 201![North Korean cheeleaders attend the Men's 1500m Short]()
164 of 201![From right, Charlotte Gilmartin of Britain, Petra Jaszapati]()
165 of 201![Casey Larson of the United States makes a jump during]()
166 of 201![Lara Stalder #7 of Switzerland scores a goal against]()
167 of 201![US players prepare for the start of their match against]()
168 of 201![Madeline Rooney #35 of the United States lays on the]()
169 of 201![Monique Lamoureux-Morando (7), of the United States,]()
170 of 201![Canada's Andi Naude competes in the women's moguls]()
171 of 201![(From L) Russia's Denis Spitsov, Russia's Andrey Larkov]()
172 of 201![USA's Alex Shibutani and USA's Maia Shibutani compete]()
173 of 201![Japan's Kana Muramoto and Japan's Chris Reed compete]()
174 of 201![Finland's Mira Jalosuo (top) checks USA's Haley Skarupa]()
175 of 201![Morgan Schild of the United States trains during warmup]()
176 of 201![Chris Mazdzer of the United States celebrates winning]()
177 of 201![Peetu Piiroinen, of Finland, jumps during the men's]()
178 of 201![Team USA fans cheer during a weather delay prior to]()
179 of 201![Chris Corning, of the United States, looks at his score]()
180 of 201![Kyle Mack, of the United States, jumps during the men's]()
181 of 201![Russia's Evgenia Tarasova and Russia's Vladimir Morozov]()
182 of 201![Germany's Aljona Savchenko, left, and Germany's Bruno]()
183 of 201![Kim Kyuen and Kam Alex Kang Chan of South Korea perform]()
184 of 201![Alexa Scimeca Knierim and Chris Knierim of the USA]()
185 of 201![Alexa Scimeca Knierim and Chris Knierim of the USA]()
186 of 201![Evgenia Tarasova and Vladimir Morozov of the Olympic]()
187 of 201![Miu Suzaki and Ryuichi Kihara of Japan perform in the]()
188 of 201![Yu Xiaoyu and Zhang Hao of China perform in the pair]()
189 of 201![Meagan Duhamel and Eric Radford of Canada perform in]()
190 of 201![Vanessa James and Morgan Cipres of France perform in]()
191 of 201![Nicole Della Monica and Matteo Guarise, of Italy, perform]()
192 of 201![Jussi Penttala, of Finland, runs the course during]()
193 of 201![Volunteers watch as skiers approach the finish of men's]()
194 of 201![Olympic Athlete from Russia Aleksandr Krushelnitckii]()
195 of 201![Canada's Kaitlyn Lawes, left, and Olympic Athlete from]()
196 of 201![Israel's Alexei Bychenko performs in the men's single]()
197 of 201![Israel's Alexei Bychenko reacts as he watches his score]()
198 of 201![Japan's Shoma Uno performs in the men's single short]()
199 of 201![France's Chafik Besseghier performs in the men's single]()
200 of 201![Italy's Matteo Rizzo performs in the men's single short]()
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Pyeongchang, South Korea – Sebastien Toutant kept waiting for the pain in his back to ease. For three months leading up to the Olympics, it didn’t.
Sure, the Canadian snowboarder could carve his way down the mountain with his friends. But he couldn’t twist. He couldn’t fly. And he certainly couldn’t land. Those are three important elements when you earn a living flinging yourself 50 feet into the air.
“That feeling, not knowing if it’s going to hurt or not, is terrible,” Toutant said.
It’s gone now. Euphoria will do that.
Barely three weeks after the back felt good enough for him to return to competition, Toutant soared to gold in the Olympic debut of men’s Big Air, hitting his first two jumps, then watching his total of 174.25 hold up as the big-name riders behind him came up just short in front of a rowdy crowd at Alpensia Ski Jumping Center that included Ivanka Trump.
The daughter of U.S. President Donald Trump took in the final as part of a whirlwind tour during the penultimate day of the Pyeongchang Games. Wearing a red ski suit with a blue knit USA cap, Trump joined Kim Jung-sook, wife of South Korean president Moon Jae-in, in the middle of the grandstand.
Once the din of Trump’s arrival died down – several TV crews in the mixed zone spent the competition with their cameras trained not on the snowboarders but on Trump’s traveling party – Toutant and his buddies did their best to put on a show.
The results were mixed, though not for a lack of trying. Toutant, silver medalist Kyle Mack of West Bloomfield, Michigan, and bronze medalist Billy Morgan of Britain were the only riders in the 12-man final to post two jumps over 80 during 90 minutes of spins and spills.
Red Gerard, who captured the first gold medal for the United States in Pyeongchang when he won the slopestyle event two weeks ago, finished fifth. Max Parrot, who earned silver in the slopestyle, topped qualifying and had a shot to catch Toutant with his final leap.
Rather than choose something safe, Parrot opted for a “switch triple cork 1800,” basically three flips and five full rotations, one of the most aggressive jumps currently being done in competition. Parrot went too big and washed out, his chance at returning home to Canada with two medals gone.
“I know Big Air is my thing, I normally do very well in that,” Parrot said. “For it’s a bummer concerning that.”
That feeling is familiar for the 25-year-old Toutant. Considered a snowboarder’s snowboarder, he’s spent most of his career splitting his time on boundary-pushing backcountry riding and flirting with the kind of success in competition that friends and countrymen Parrot and Mark McMorris enjoy regularly. He’s spent plenty of time on the podium, just never the top of it, until Saturday.
The lack of a victory never really bothered Toutant. He doesn’t compete to win as much as simply enjoy the process. There are riders out there who make conservative runs designed to score well even. Toutant is not one of them.
“I try to go for it,” Toutant said. “I’m not the kind of rider to step back and just do a smaller trick to just make sure to be on the podium,” Toutant said. “Sometimes it does well and sometimes it doesn’t and today I definitely land two good tricks and that was enough to win.”
Mack missed out on the finals in slopestyle after struggling during both of his qualifying runs. The 20-year-old found a measure of redemption in Big Air. Focusing more on style than acrobatics, Mack drilled a “front 1440 Bloody Dracula,” a grab that requires the rider to clench the tail of the snowboard in midair.
“I always thought it was such a sick trick and such a crazy grab,” Mack said.
One that helped Mack give the United States its seventh snowboarding medal in South Korea, nearly a third of the Americans’ entire medal count.
“We’re killing it right now,” Mack said. “I’m super stoked on how we’ve all done with Chloe Kim, Red Gerard, Jamie Anderson. We have such a strong team right now that it’s so sweet and we’re all still so young, so we have so much time to progress and keep working. I expect to see all of us back here at the next one going strong.”
The Canadians, however, are gaining ground. Toutant’s triumph pushed Canada’s snowboarding medal total to four.
“We’re all about fun,” Toutant said. “I had fun today. I was stressed crazy, but it’s all about fun. You’ve got to enjoy it.”
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