Bowman wins 3rd consecutive gold at X Games

By USSA

ASPEN, Colo. — The first day of X Games 2015 is in the books, and the women’s superpipe gold medal is in familiar territory. In a field stocked full of eight world-class freeskiers from countries spanning the world, Maddie Bowman (Meyers) stomped her first run through Buttermilk’s halfpipe to win another gold medal.

Brita Sigourney (Carmel) took third.

For the first time since the late Sarah Burke won back-to-back-to-back X Games gold medals in the halfpipe, Bowman won her third consecutive X Games gold medal on Wednesday night in Aspen. Considering Bowman also won Olympic gold in Sochi in the same event, it is fair to say that women’s halfpipe skiing has a true champion representing the sport.

“Tonight was awesome, and I can’t believe it happened,” said Bowman. “I grew up idolizing Sarah Burke, and the first time I met her was at X Games. Sarah is the reason we’re here. To win X Games three times in a row, like Sarah, is pretty special.”

Bowman’s winning run came on her first attempt of three through the halfpipe. Exhibiting technical tricks, large amplitude, and stylish grabs throughout her entire run, Bowman compiled a winning scored of 85.66. Bowman linked a right-side 900 with a left-side 540 and then later nailed a left-side 900 and right-side 720 in succession to show she can spin in both directions. The spinning combinations, switch takeoffs and landings, down-the-pipe airs, and unparalleled style proved to be a winning equation for Bowman, again.

“The secret for winning is just having fun,” Bowman said at the bottom of the halfpipe, another gold around her neck. “When you’re having a great time with your friends is when you ski the best.”

Rounding out the podium behind Bowman were Japan’s Olympic bronze medalist Ayana Onozuka in second and Sigourney in third, respectively. Both women went into their third runs through the halfpipe with the ability to outscore Bowman, and both athletes put in solid attempts. In the end, however, Bowman’s score proved to be too much.

“To win a medal here is a great honor,” says Bowman. “Tonight was really special.”