He had hoped to plant a giant run in his first try, to place strain on his opponents and provides himself room to attempt to elevate even greater in rounds 1 and a couple of.
The competitors promised to be high-flying, and it was. A robust Japanese contingent had eyes on spinning their technique to the rostrum, led by three Hiranos — Ayumu (a two-time silver medalist), Kaishu (his little brother) and Ruka (no relation).
James, a lanky Australian who has led the world circuit lately, got here looking for an elusive gold medal. Taylor Gold, the American veteran who fought years of accidents after his 2014 Olympic look, introduced his technical, old-school model, hoping judges would award ingenuity, not simply rotations.
However the focus was on White. He had known as this a farewell tour, although it was unclear if it was him saying goodbye to aggressive snowboarding or followers saying goodbye to him. Each, in all probability. Both manner, it was not an exhibition, and White was granted no favors. White earned his technique to the Olympics, after a protracted season of accidents, Covid and doubts. After which into the ultimate.
He appeared re-energized, and relieved, to have made it via {qualifications} on his second and remaining run — drama, at all times drama — realizing that he would go away the game nonetheless in essentially the most elite class.
Starting in Turin 16 years in the past, via Vancouver, Sochi and Pyeongchang, White ended up on a nondescript mountainside greater than 100 miles northwest of Beijing to make his remaining rides. There have been extra reporters and cameras gazing at him than followers, the grandstands principally empty due to the pandemic. However there have been numerous individuals watching on screens around the globe, together with White’s household and buddies in and round his native San Diego.