China's Su, Ge secure 1-2 finish in men's big air at FIS Snowboard World Cup

CHONGLI, China - China's Su Yiming and Ge Chunyu claimed the gold and silver medals respectively in the men's big air final at the 2025-26 FIS Snowboard World Cup at Secret Garden on Saturday, while Japan's Ryoma Kimata took bronze.

Intensifying wind conditions during the final led to landing errors for many riders. However, Su delivered two composed opening runs. He scored 86.25 points with a back 1980 nose grab, followed by a switch back 1980 melon for 88.25. A combined score of 174.50 comfortably placed him at the top of the standings, as 21-year-old Su enjoyed a victory lap in his third run.

"It has been a long time since I last had a gold medal hanging around my neck. I'm really happy to put down two ideal runs today and stand again on top of the big air podium. That is something I've dreamed of for a long time," Su said. "A year ago, this was my lowest point. Coming back here and winning again is a recognition of myself."

Su won China's first Olympic gold in men's big air at the Beijing 2022 Winter Games, leading to increased popularity for the sport in China and a new generation of young riders, including Saturday's silver medalist, Ge.

Ge, 19, struggled in his first run, scoring only 38.00, but regained momentum with a front triple todeo 1440 mute for 77.00. In his third run, he landed a back 1980 mute for 82.50, securing second place with a total of 159.50 points.

"Sharing the podium with Chunyu is the happiest thing for me today," Su said. "It's not just about my gold; it's about the Chinese snowboard team reaching the highest level in the world. We've never seen two Chinese riders together at the top of the podium carrying the national flag. Today, Chunyu, our teammates, and I made it happen."

"I've always felt a responsibility, not just to win medals myself, but to push the development of Chinese snowboarding. Standing on the podium with Chunyu today makes me truly happy for him, for myself, and for our whole team."

Ge said his performance fulfilled a long-held dream. "This is my first World Cup podium. I believe more Chinese riders will stand here in the future," he said. "I've imagined this moment countless times. My goal is very clear, I must qualify for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. I'll do whatever it takes. This result has almost secured my Olympic spot."

In the women's snowboard big air final, Japan achieved a podium sweep, with Mari Fukada taking gold, Reira Iwabuchi winning silver, and Miyabi Onitsuka earning bronze.

Earlier, China's Liu Mengting won bronze in the women's freeski big air final.

"I've already secured Olympic qualification points in big air. With recent competitions packed closely together, I will take them one by one. By the time Milan comes, things may naturally fall into place. I'm really looking forward to it. It will likely be my first Olympics," Liu said.

Britain's Kirsty Muir took gold, while Canada's Naomi Urness finished second.

In the men's freeski big air final, Troy Podmilsak of the United States claimed gold. Canada's Dylan Deschamps earned silver, and Australia's Luca Harrington took bronze.