2024-25 Halfpipe World Cup: A Thrilling Showdown at Copper Mountain
by YoMamaRice
The second Halfpipe World Cup event of the 2024-25 season took place yesterday, and it was nothing short of a nail-biting spectacle. From surprising upsets to controversial judging calls, this competition had it all. As expected, Japanese athletes dominated the podium, but the women’s event saw a new, unexpected champion, while the men’s battle featured dramatic moments that kept the crowd on edge.
Women’s Competition: Victory for 15-Year-Old Sara Shimizu
The women’s halfpipe event was full of surprises, especially with 15-year-old Japanese talent Sara Shimizu (JAPAN) making waves in just her second World Cup competition. Shimizu secured the gold, an impressive feat for the debut season of a young athlete.
Chloe Kim (USA), the reigning Olympic gold medalist and America’s sweetheart, was expected to dominate, and for a moment, it seemed like she might. Kim laid down stunning back-to-back 10s, showing that she still has the technical brilliance that made her a household name. However, Shimizu’s back-to-back 9s were enough to beat Kim's 10s.
So, what were the judges thinking? Whether this call was fair or not is up for debate, but what’s undeniable is Shimizu’s consistency and technical riding beyond her years. At just 15, she not only defeated Kim but also established herself as a force to be reckoned with on the world stage.
The podium was completed by Cai Xuetong (China), the only non-Japanese athlete to make the podium. Gaon Choi (South Korea) and Rise Kudo (JAPAN) — top contenders— were absent from this competition.
Men’s Competition: Ayumu Hirano’s Late Surge and a Thrilling Final Run
The men’s competition was intense, with seasoned veterans upping the ante with each run. The action reached a fever pitch by the time the final run came around.
One of the biggest talking points was Ayumu Hirano's jaw-dropping third run. The Japanese legend, known for his aerial prowess, soared from 6th place to 1st with an electrifying triple 14, 14, 12 combo that wow'd the audience. Hirano’s ability to rise to the occasion under pressure is unparalleled, and this performance solidified his place as one of the best in the sport.
Cheun Lee (South Korea) who was the only other to lay down a triple, did not make podium.
Yuto Totsuka (JAPAN), another major contender, had an unexpected fall on his first run which was uncharacteristic for him, since he always land on his feet like a cat. However, he bounced back with a clean, skilled second run that put him in the lead—only to be dethroned by Ayumu Hirano’s incredible final and third run, landing Yuto in second place.
Meanwhile, Ruka Hirano secured a well-deserved third place despite a questionable score of 50.25 on his second run. I thought the score should have been higher, but perhaps that’s just me being a Ruka fan.
Jason Wolle (USA) delivered an outstanding performance, making it to the finals and throwing down a Michael Chuck—Joey Okesson and Joey Chase—who followed closely behind, finishing in 8th and 9th place, respectively.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Halfpipe World Cup?
The competition is far from over. With the 2024-25 season still unfolding, we can expect more thrilling moments and surprises as the world’s best continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in halfpipe. Other male Japanese athletes to keep an eye on are Shuichiro Shigeno and Ryusei Yamada and in women's Gaon Choi (South Korea) and Rise Kudo (Japan). The next World Cup events will take place in LAAX, Switzerland, followed by a return to the USA in Aspen, Colorado.
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