Kokomo Murase Soars to Big Air Gold!

Kokomo Murase has achieved her long-sought Olympic gold, triumphing in the women's snowboarding big air final at the Milan Cortina Olympics on Monday night. The 21-year-old athlete secured Japan's second gold medal of the Games with a total score of 179.00 points.

Murase's path to gold included a strong opening run, a backside triple cork 1440 mute that earned 89.75 points. Despite intense competition and lead changes, Murase delivered a crucial frontside triple cork 1440 in her final attempt, scoring 89.25 points to reclaim the lead and secure the gold medal. She edged out New Zealand's Zoi Sadowski Synnott for the top spot.

This victory holds special significance for Murase, who became Japan's youngest female Winter Olympic medalist with her bronze in Beijing four years prior. Her snowboarding journey began at age four, and she later became the youngest X Games gold medalist at 13. Murase is set to compete in slopestyle next week, aiming for another gold.