Winter is coming, folks!
And you know what that means – it’s time for some high-flying, adrenaline-pumping, snow shredding action. That’s right, we’re talking about snowboarding. And not just any kind of snowboarding, mind you – we’re talking about the Olympics. In this “Ultimate Guide”, we’ll take you on a journey through the history of snowboarding at the Olympics, give you the lowdown on the schedule for the upcoming 2022 Winter Olympics, introduce you to some of the top snowboarders to watch, and even give you some top tips and tricks for making the most of your viewing experience. So, strap on your helmets, grab your boards, and get ready for some sick tricks and gnarly flips, because this guide has got it all.
The History of Snowboarding in the Olympics
Snowboarding has come a long way since its early days as a niche winter sport. It wasn’t until the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan, that snowboarding made its debut as an official Olympic event. At the time, many saw it as a controversial decision. Purists argued that snowboarding was too different from traditional winter sports like skiing and figure skating, and that it didn’t belong in the Olympics.
But despite the criticism, snowboarding proved to be a hit with audiences. The sport’s high-flying, high-energy style was a perfect fit for the youthful and dynamic image that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) was trying to promote. Snowboarding quickly became one of the most-watched events at the Olympics, and a staple of the Winter Games.
Since then, snowboarding has continued to evolve and mature as an Olympic sport. New events and categories have been added, including slopestyle, halfpipe, and snowboard cross. The judging criteria have been refined, and the level of competition has skyrocketed.
But through all the changes and challenges, snowboarding has maintained its rebellious spirit and unique identity. It’s a sport that’s all about pushing the limits, defying convention, and expressing yourself through movement. And that’s why it continues to captivate audiences around the world, both at the Olympics and beyond.
The 2022 Olympic Snowboarding Schedule
The 2022 Olympic Snowboarding Schedule is packed with exciting events that will keep any snowboarding fan on the edge of their seat. From the Men’s and Women’s Slopestyle to the Halfpipe competitions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
First up is Men’s Slopestyle Qualification on February 5th, followed by Women’s Slopestyle Qualification on the same day. The Finals for Men’s and Women’s Slopestyle will be held on February 6th.
Next up is Men’s Halfpipe Qualification on February 8th, followed by Women’s Halfpipe Qualification on February 9th. The Halfpipe Finals for both Men and Women will be held on February 10th.
If you’re a big fan of Big Air, then you won’t want to miss Men’s and Women’s Big Air Qualification on February 12th. The Finals for Men’s and Women’s Big Air will be held on February 13th.
Finally, the Parallel Giant Slalom event will take place on February 22nd, with the Men’s and Women’s Qualification rounds taking place earlier in the week.
Make sure to mark these dates on your calendar, because you won’t want to miss a single moment of the thrilling snowboarding action at the 2022 Winter Olympics!
The Top Snowboarders to Watch at the Olympics
The snowboarding competition at the Winter Olympics is always full of incredible athletes who push the limits of what’s possible on a snowboard. But some stand out above the rest, and are worth keeping a close eye on during the 2022 Winter Olympics.
One athlete to watch is Chloe Kim, who became an instant sensation at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang. Kim, who was just 17 at the time, won gold in the women’s halfpipe event with a score of 98.25 out of 100. She’s continued to dominate the sport in the years since, and is a top contender to bring home another medal in Beijing.
Another snowboarder to keep on your radar is Shaun White, the legendary athlete who has won three Olympic gold medals in his career. At 35 years old, White is one of the oldest athletes in the field, but he’s still capable of jaw-dropping performances in the halfpipe. He’ll be looking to add another gold to his collection in Beijing.
Mark McMorris is another top contender in the men’s slopestyle and big air events. The Canadian snowboarder won a bronze medal in slopestyle at the 2018 Winter Olympics, despite suffering a horrific injury just 11 months prior. McMorris is known for his technical skill and daring tricks, and will surely be looking to improve on his Olympic performance in 2022.
Johanne Killi is a Norwegian snowboarder to watch in the women’s slopestyle and big air events. Killi won a silver medal in slopestyle at the 2018 X Games, and has been a consistent top performer in the sport in recent years. She’s known for her stylish riding and ability to pull off difficult tricks with ease.
Finally, keep an eye on Ayumu Hirano in the men’s halfpipe event. The Japanese snowboarder won silver at the 2018 Winter Olympics, and has since been pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the halfpipe. His combination of technical difficulty and style make him one of the most exciting athletes to watch in the sport.
These are just a few of the snowboarders to watch during the 2022 Winter Olympics. Of course, there are many other talented athletes who will be vying for medals and pushing the limits of the sport. But by focusing on these top performers, you’ll be sure to witness some unforgettable moments on the snow.
Tips and Tricks for Watching Snowboarding at the Olympics
Now that you know all about the history of snowboarding in the Olympics, the 2022 Olympic snowboarding schedule, and the top snowboarders to watch, it’s time to talk about the best tips and tricks for watching snowboarding at the Olympics.
First and foremost, dress warmly. You’ll probably be spending a lot of time outdoors in the snow, so make sure to wear layers and winter gear to keep yourself warm and dry. Snow pants, boots, a warm jacket, and a hat are all must-haves.
Next, decide where you want to watch the snowboarding events. If you’re lucky enough to be attending the Olympics in person, make sure to read up on the venue beforehand and arrive early to secure a good viewing spot. If you’re watching from home, consider setting up a viewing party with friends and family to make the experience more fun and interactive.
Once you’re settled in and ready to watch, it’s important to understand the judging criteria for each snowboarding event. Take some time to read up on how the judges score the athletes and what they’re looking for, so you can better appreciate the skill and athleticism on display.
Finally, don’t be afraid to get involved and show your support for your favorite snowboarders. Cheer and clap loudly to show your enthusiasm, and take plenty of photos and videos to capture the moment.
With these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the thrills and excitement of snowboarding at the 2022 Winter Olympics.