USA's Colby Stevenson struts style for ski big air silver behind Ruud of Norway

Colby Stevenson celebrates at the 2022 Winter Olympics - Credit: AFP via Getty Images

Colby Stevenson celebrates at the 2022 Winter Olympics – Credit: AFP via Getty Images

New Hampshire-born freeskier Colby Stevenson captured big air silver Wednesday at the 2022 Winter Games amidst a magnificent showing from Birk Ruud of Norway, winner of the event’s first Olympic gold.

Stevenson, who historically has had more success in slopestyle, washed out on the landing of his opening-run nosebutter triple cork 1620 attempt. But the 24-year-old fought back to stomp the same trick on Run 2 for a 91.75, then landed a huge switch double 1800 with massive air for a 91.25 to total 183.00.

RESULTS

Top qualifier Ruud didn’t hold back on Run 1 and put down a smooth switch triple cork 1980 for 95.75. He followed up with a double bio 1800 with mute grab on his second run for a 92.00, and his combined score of 187.75 ultimately held up for the title.

Sweden’s Henrik Harlaut took bronze in his third Games appearance, while Stevenson’s teammates Alex Hall – the event’s reigning X Games champion – and Mac Forehand placed a respective eighth and 11th. Hall landed a double cork 1980 with this signature Buick grab on Run 2 but couldn’t stick a 2160 attempt on Run 3.

SEE MORE: Alex Hall stomps double 1980 Buick on Run 2 of big air final

Stevenson was involved in a May 2016 truck crash at age 18 that left him with a shattered skull and broken ribs, eye socket, jaw and neck. But through hope and determination, he returned to his skis just five months later, and less than a half-month after that won a World Cup slopestyle contest in Italy.

A rotator cuff injury ultimately spoiled his bid to make the 2018 PyeongChang Games. He won slopestyle gold at the 2020 X Games and earned slopestyle silver at the 2021 World Championships.

SEE MORE: How to watch Freestyle Skiing at the 2022 Winter Olympics on NBC and Peacock

SEE MORE: Men’s Freeski Big Air Final

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