At the Milano Cortina Olympics, the inaugural medals for snowboarding were clinched by Japanese snowboarders Kira Kimura and Ryoma Kimata, demonstrating outstanding performances in the men's Big Air event. Kira Kimura, who secured a bronze at last year's X Games, started strong with an impressive first jump scoring 89.00. However, Kimata initially led the competition with scores of 86.25 and 85.25 from his two attempts, putting him ahead with a total of 171.50 points.

The decisive moment for Kimura came during his final jump when he executed a remarkable 1980-degree spin, approaching the landing with his back facing the ramp. This impressive feat earned him a score of 90.50 points, significantly boosting his total to 179.50 points, thus ensuring him the gold medal. Kimata's consistent performance, while commendable, left him in second place with 171.50 points, earning him a silver medal.

Chinese snowboarder Yiming Su completed the podium, taking the bronze medal with a total of 168.50 points, following his jumps of 88.25 and 80.25. The competition also highlighted the efforts of 17-year-old American Oliver Martin, who narrowly missed out on a medal with a total of 163.00 points, falling short by 5.5 points to Su. This event marks a significant moment in Olympic snowboarding, showcasing emerging talent and the rising competition in the sport.