Ollie Martin: Fourth Place Finish & Big Air Controversy at Olympics | Snowboarding News

Livigno, Italy – The men’s big air snowboarding final at the February 7, 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina is set, but the path to get there was filled with drama, impressive performances and a heartbreaking near-miss for American teenager Ollie Martin.

Martin, the youngest member of the United States Slopestyle and Big Air team at 17 years old, qualified for the final despite a shaky start. He stumbled on his first run, receiving a score of just 19.75. Facing elimination, Martin delivered a stunning performance on his second attempt, successfully landing an 1800 and earning a score of 82.25. This propelled him into ninth place, securing his spot in Saturday’s final and a chance to compete for a medal.

However, Martin’s Olympic journey took a dramatic turn. Despite his qualification, reports indicate he ultimately finished fourth, missing the podium in a controversial finish. Details surrounding the final scoring and the nature of the controversy are still emerging, but the result marks a bittersweet moment for the young American.

The qualification round also saw Canadian Olympian Mark McMorris withdraw from the competition following a hard crash. In a remarkable display of sportsmanship, Australian rider Valentino Guseli stepped in to take McMorris’s place, despite having zero practice runs on the course and only six hours’ notice before the event began. Guseli rose to the occasion, landing a 1980 nose grab on his final run, scoring 91.50 and achieving an overall score of 163. This performance was enough to secure his place in the final, narrowly edging out Marcus Kleveland by just one point.

American Jake Canter made a strong start to the competition, opening with a backside 1980 that placed him in third after the first heat, earning a score of 71.225. While he didn’t improve on his score in subsequent runs, Canter ultimately finished in 15th place. Fellow Americans Red Gerard and Sean FitzSimons finished 20th and 25th respectively.

The qualification round highlighted the increasing difficulty of the tricks being attempted in big air snowboarding. Athletes are pushing the boundaries of the sport, with competitors like Guseli and Canter showcasing complex rotations and grabs. The event also underscored the unpredictable nature of the competition, where a single run can determine an athlete’s fate.

While Red Gerard, a previous Olympic medalist, will not be competing in the final, he expressed acceptance of the outcome. The focus now shifts to the final, where Martin, Guseli, and other top snowboarders will battle for Olympic gold. The competition promises to be a thrilling showcase of skill, athleticism, and courage.

The final is scheduled for Saturday, February 7, 2026, and will feature a field of highly talented athletes. The event is expected to draw a large audience, both in person and through broadcast and streaming platforms. The stakes are high, as athletes compete for the ultimate prize in snowboarding – an Olympic medal.

The competition also saw Japan’s Kira Kimura secure gold in the men’s snowboard big air event, demonstrating the growing strength of the Japanese snowboarding team. The 2026 Winter Olympics continue to deliver exciting moments and showcase the best athletes in the world.

The qualification results set the stage for a compelling final, with athletes like Martin looking to build on their impressive performances and contend for a spot on the podium. The event will undoubtedly be a highlight of the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, showcasing the skill, athleticism, and determination of the world’s top snowboarders.