Juliet Schroder
While X Games Aspen 2023 may have concluded today (January 29), the competitions on the third and final day of the best show on show featured more progression than ever before.
Historical moments transpired beginning at Jeep Women’s Ski Slopestyle at the base of Buttermilk Mountain, where Megan Oldham brought out the big tricks, including a colossal right double cork 1260 safety. Her consistent amplitude and smooth style once again elevated her to golden status as she claimed her second gold of this X Games.
The 21-year-old, who hails from Canada, continued to ride her high from Friday night’s massive win in the Pacifico Ski Big Air competition, where she became the first woman to land a triple cork in any ski or snowboard contest. This marks a total of seven career X Games medals for Oldham.
“It feels incredible to come here to X Games and leave with two gold medals,” remarked Oldham. “This was definitely not what I was expecting at all. I came here trying to push some of my tricks and women’s progression, and it’s awesome to see it all come together and land my runs,” she grinned.
22-year-old Mathilde Gremaud came from behind, landing her fourth and final run, which catapulted her into the silver medal position. This bumped Kristy Muir, 18, into second place, into that bronze medal spot, securing her first-ever X Games medal.
By mid-day, it was eyes on the Jeep Men’s Snowboard Slopestyle contest. The weather finally cleared after days of snow, so the heat was on for the stacked list of riders. The ultra-technical course featuring two rail zones, two shark fins, and four jumps provided the perfect location for the ultimate Slopestyle showdown.
Marcus Kleveland attempted to become the first athlete since Travis Pastrana to win three gold during the same X Games. Instead, he stomped his fourth and final run to push Mark McMorris out of first place and into second. But his first-place reign lasted for mere moments…
As McMorris dropped in for his fourth and final run (also the last of the contest), he obliterated the course with back-to-back 1620s; first, a switch backside 1620 Weddle, then into a gigantic backside triple cork 1620 Indy. The technicality of these tricks edged Kleveland back into silver, solidifying McMorris into a golden first place. This win marks 22 medals for ‘The Closer’ (as he is often called), making Mark the most decorated winter athlete in X Games history.
“This keeps getting crazier and crazier as I get older, and people keep pushing the limits, and last night [after placing fourth in Big Air, I was questioning] do I still have?” admitted Mark. “Then to have one of those miracle wins where you do it on the last run when someone makes you push yourself is awesome.”
The lineup of snowboard Knuckle Huck riders at Aspen X Games 2023 consisted mainly of veteran riders. However, each has a unique style and creative approach to riding. This left everyone watching, questioning ‘what the huck is coming next?’ With four of the eight competitors’ previous Knuckle Huck gold medalists, it was indeed anyone’s game.
Marcus Kleveland was yet again feeling the vibes from the massive crowd and unleashed ultra stylish tricks, including a Nollie hand drag frontside 720 tuck-knee on his first run. For the rest of his runs, he did a Nosebutter 180 to Cab 720, a Nose butter Cab double cork 720 with his hands clasped behind his back, and closed it out with a butter backside 180 Cab double cork 1260.
Knuckle Huck is scored by the overall performance, and Kleveland’s runs proved gold. This medal joins the silver medal he won earlier in the day during Slopestyle. His overall performance at this Games also earned him the Jeep Best in Snow Award, which he received Sunday night.
As far as second place in Knuckle Huck, Halldor Helagason turned heads with his silver medal performance. It’s been 13 years since his last historic performance at X Games Big Air in 2010 where he snagged gold by scoring a perfect 100. While he didn’t have a gold-winning run this year, he did sail his way into silver at X Games Aspen 2023.
“This has been such a fun day of riding; I came in with no expectations at all,” said a stunned Helagson. “My stomach was kind of hurting, so I chilled during practice, but to come back and podium again is just so sick!” he exclaimed. “This is crazy to get a medal again, and this event is so fun.”
Dusty Henricksen was also on it this evening. Despite being edged out of any medals in Slopestyle earlier in the day, he clenched bronze in Knuckle Huck.
The bright lights clicked on for the last events of the day: Men’s Ski Big Air, and Monster Energy Men’s Ski SuperPipe.
Big Air proved quite the nail-biter as Teal Harle was in first, scoring 96 out of 100. Mac Forehand could only win by scoring a perfect 50 with his last run, and the 21-year-old did just that; he landed a leftside forward double cork 2160 stalefish grab for his first X Games gold.
“I’ve been thinking about those two tricks for so long, and I’ve never done them before,” said Forehand. “It was my first time trying that switch 1800 and front 2160,” beamed Forehand.
Forehand’s performance bumped Harle into silver and Birk Ruud into third. Harle landed a gigantic switch leftside triple cork 1800, while Rudd sent a switch leftside triple cork 2160 Weddle for his biggest trick. It’s safe to say with tricks like this, the level of big air skiing is insane.
The last contest of the jam-packed weekend was heavily attended with throngs of fans cheering on their favorites. Mr. David Wise battled his way to gold for the first time since X Games Aspen 2018. Wise put down a winning run that consisted of a switch right 900 lead tail, switch left double cork 1080 taipan, right cork 900 lead tail, left double cork 1260 Weddle, right double cork 1260 Weddle.
“This is unbelievable as this is my fifth time winning this event, and every time I win it has been a surprise,” said Wise following the event.
Rounding out the final podium of X Games Aspen 2023 was Birk Irving, who claimed silver with a run switch left 1080 tailgrab, right 900 Japan, left down-the-pipe double cork 720 safety, switch right 720 double Japan, left double cork 1440 safety.
Jon Sallinen, who took bronze, switch left double cork 1080 Japan, right double cork 1260 double Japan, left 1080 Cuban, switch right 720 double Japan, left double cork 1620 safety.
For more coverage from X Games Aspen 2023, click here.
See more
Juliet is the founder and executive producer/host of Celeb Secrets and Celeb Secrets Country. When not reporting on the latest news in pop culture and country music, she enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, watching sports and exploring the latest fashion trends.
Juliet holds a B.S. in marketing from St. John’s University.
28 Shares
Juliet Schroder
28 Shares
Juliet Schroder
35 Shares
Kennia Cardenas
58 Shares
Kennia Cardenas
35 Shares
Juliet Schroder
50 Shares
Melanie Rooten
Please check if there are posts that match all the below criteria. If not, remove the wrong ones in the widget settings.
Please check if there are posts that match all the below criteria. If not, remove the wrong ones in the widget settings.
Celeb Secrets is the ultimate destination for breaking news, interviews, and exclusive premieres on all things awards, country, lifestyle, music, movies, sports, and television. We open up a new world to readers by learning juicy “secrets” about their favorite stars — something no other outlet has to offer.
© 2010-2021. CelebSecrets4U, LLC. All rights reserved.
Enter your account data and we will send you a link to reset your password.
To use social login you have to agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. %privacy_policy%
Public collection title
Private collection title
Here you'll find all collections you've created before.
