Three Kiwis fly into finals
Kiwi brothers Byron and BeauJames Wells as well as prodigy Nico Porteous have made a statement by reaching the finals of the men’s ski halfpipe on Thursday.
The two Queenstown brothers eased in to the finals ranked at fourth and fifth place respectively, while Porteous narrowly made the top 12 with his second run.
It was a day of mixed feelings for Porteous when he realised his older brother Miguel wouldn’t be joining him in the final after finishing 17th.
‘‘It went from one of the most nervous days of my life to one of the saddest days of my life, but oh well. I am a bit lost for words right now, I really don’t now what to think,’’ the 16-year-old told Sky TV.
Sitting 16th after the first round, Porteous added another trick to his repertoire and the judges rewarded him with a score of 72.80 to sneak into the final in 11th.
Meanwhile, Byron Wells’ opening score of 88.60 was good enough for fourth place, allowing him to cruise in his second run and save his best for the final.
After injury ruined his campaign in Sochi four years ago, Byron was delighted to finally lay that memory to rest.
‘‘It’s was so disappointing last time,’’ he said. ‘‘It felt like I was on a rollercoaster ride and I came out at the bottom and I’m pretty damn stoked.’’
Nipping at his heels was younger brother Beau-James, who followed a stellar first-up score of 86.20 with an even better
88.20 to qualify in fifth place. The 22-year-old has now reached his second Olympic final and his confidence levels are sky-high going into Thursday’s final.
‘‘To qualify through to the finals is epic, of course it gives you confidence,’’ Beau-James said.
‘‘Qualifiers are always the most nerve-wrecking part but to put my first run down was a huge weight off my shoulders. Then I could go into my second one a bit more relaxed and confident.’’
The entire Wells family was present at the event, including skiers Jackson and Jossi to watch the two younger brothers.
‘‘Family’s everything to us and to have everybody here is absolutely awesome,’’ Byron added.
‘‘Mum doesn’t usually travel to watch us so it was cool to have her hear. She came over in Sochi but unfortunately I couldn’t ski for her so it’s pretty special to land a run and show her what I actually do when I’m away.’’
The top 12 scores went through to Thursday’s final, with the first three places all occupied by Americans. Aaron Blunck set the pace with 94.40, ahead of Alex Ferreira on 92.60 and Torin Yater-Wallace on
89.60.