WHITE SOARS TO 3RD OLYMPIC GOLD

PYEONGCHANG, South Korea – The Flying Tomato still soars. Shaun White put together an epic final run to claim his third gold medal in Olympic men’s halfpipe, slicing through the gray South Korean sky on Wednesday to post a score of 97.75 for the 100th overall gold by the United States in the Winter Games.

The 31-year-old White trailed Japan’s Ayumu Hirano going into the last of the three runs in the 12-man final, but put together a daring set that included consecutive 1440-degree spins. White threw his board in the air when his winning score flashed, setting off a delirious celebration.

Hirano, who vaulted into the lead during his second run with a score of 95.25, took silver. Australia’s Scotty James earned bronze.

White is the first American male to win gold at three separate Winter Olympics. Speedskater Bonnie Blair won gold in the 1988, 1992 and 1994 Games.

James, White and Hirano traded electric runs during qualifying on Tuesday, “sending it” in snowboarding terms and sending a bit of a message in the process. The three have eyed this showdown on the world stage for months and Hirano – who edged James in the X Games last month, an event White opted to skip after locking down a spot on the U.S. Olympic Team – shrugged when asked if he was concerned about the 98.50 White put up on Tuesday to earn the right to go last in the finals.

“I know what he does and he knows what I do,” Ayumu said. Namely, put on a show.

White put together a dazzling first run at warm, slushy Phoenix Snow Park, throwing a 1440 early on and building from there. He tossed his helmet toward the crowd when he finished and celebrated in the waiting area while the judges deliberated. His score of 94.25 was tops after the first of the three finals runs, but Hirano recovered after sitting down during his first trip to put White on notice during the second.

The 19-year-old uncorked back-to-back 1440s of his own and

White is the first American male to win gold at three separate Winter Olympics. Speedskater Bonnie Blair won gold in the 1988, 1992 and 1994 Games

JACK GRUBER/USA TODAY SPORTS Shaun White celebrates winning gold in the men’s snowboarding halfpipe on Wednesday.

GRUBER/USA TODAY SPORTS JACK Shaun White posted a 97.75 in his final run during Wednesday’s halfpipe final to come from behind and win his third Olympic gold medal in the event.