Shaun White qualifies for the men’s snowboard halfpipe final in dramatic fashion

Shaun White at Woodward Copper U.S. Snowboard Team training. Photo: U.S. Ski & Snowboard.

BEIJING — Standing on the brink of elimination, three-time gold medalist Shaun White stared down the Olympic halfpipe for what could’ve been the last time. He then proceeded to orchestrate a clutch second run in order to qualify for the men’s snowboard halfpipe final, furthering his final Olympic appearance.

After his first run of the competition, White found himself in 19th place with a score of 24.25. In an unusual fashion, White had fallen while attempting to perform his signature double McTwist 1260 which meant only one thing. He had to nail the second run.

As he dropped into the halfpipe, the 34 year old put together one of the most clutch runs of his career as he scored a 86.25 which propelled him into fourth place and a spot in the final.

“I am so happy I put that last run down,” White said in an interview. “I’m feeling incredible. You have to fight for it if you want to get into finals. In finals, we’re not holding back. For me especially, I’m gonna throw everything I got at it.”

SHAUN WHITE IS GOING TO THE MEN’S SNOWBOARD HALFPIPE FINAL!#WinterOlympics | #WatchWithUS

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Going into the final, Japan’s Ayumu Hirano sits in first place with a score of 93.25 while Australia’s Scotty James is in second and Ruka Hirano, also from Japan, remains in third.