Aussie teen stuns after making halfpipe finals at Winter Olympics
Aussie youngster Valentino Guseli has reached the Winter Olympics halfpipe finals, alongside veteran Scotty James, after a brilliant second run in Beijing.
Veteran James stunned from the start during qualification after recording a score of 88.25 in his first run.
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The Australian star then laid down the marker with a 91.25 to easily qualify for Friday's final.
Following qualification, James said everything went to plan in great conditions.
“I feel really good. We stuck to our plan today and we executed really well. The halfpipe is fantastic, the weather is incredible," he said.
“To say the least it was absolutely fantastic. I’m over the moon.”
James finished second to Japanese star Ayumu Hirano.
Ready for takeoff: Valentino Guseli 🛫
The 16-year-old scores a massive 85.75 on his second run 👏
Broadcast Partner: @AmazonAustralia #7Olympics | #Beijing2022 pic.twitter.com/Ln7CX9X4K9— 7Olympics (@7olympics) February 9, 2022
Aussie teen Valentino Guseli qualifies for final
In fantastic news, Australia had two snowboarders qualify with 16-year-old Guseli qualifying in fifth.
The 16-year-old star crashed on his first run in the halfpipe, before delivering a rock solid score of 85.75.
Guseli was clearly stunned on his Winter Olympics debut.
“Hi everyone at home… I love you mum, see you soon,” Guseli said while waiting for his score.
The teen let out a "wow", after realising he had qualified.
Cannot wait for the finals of the mens half pipe! @scottyjames31 @shaunwhite #valentinoguseli
— Rennae Stubbs OLY (@rennaestubbs) February 9, 2022
He was only bumped from fourth place after American legend Shaun White edged him out in his final run.
“Valentino Guseli, we’re going to be seeing you in the finals,” Channel 7 commentator Mitchell Tomlinson said.
“Who’s next? I’ve lost it. We really have to look at the nerves of steel and the maturity he’s shown in Val’s riding then.
"To have a one run and know he has to execute that and get a high score to get into the finals, the pressure on the kid’s back would be second to none.”
White stumbled on his first run and was sitting outside qualifiers, before showing why he is a three-time Olympic gold medallist with a crucial second run.
James will have to overcome the 35-year-old snowboarding legend - who is competing in his fifth Olympics - in the finals if he wants to improve from his bronze in 2018.
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