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Danny Davis wins the third Olympic qualifier in style, Gold & Ladley round out the podium

It’s safe to say that a good chunk of the snowboarding world is pretty stoked on how the 3rd Olympic qualifier for the men’s halfpipe played out this morning. Snowboarding legend, and Peace Park megamind Danny Davis topped the podium, followed by young gun Taylor Gold, who also took 2nd in the Copper Grand Prix in December, and Matt Ladley, who nabs a spot on the podium for the first time this season. Davis’ win is clutch as far as his Road to Sochi is concerned, as this was his last chance to earn a podium before losing out on a shot at the Olympic team entirely. After this win, Davis has the chance to go to the Games, if he can get a second-place or better in the 5th and final Olympic halfpipe qualifier on Sunday.

Taylor Gold’s double podium day is impressive Olympic year or otherwise, but given the circumstances, Gold has now cinched a spot on the US men’s Olympic halfpipe team, and will be representing the USA in Sochi. White, Gold, and Kelly Clark are currently the only three halfpipe riders confirmed for the Games.

Results from Olympic Qualifier #3:
1. Danny Davis: 95.2
2. Taylor Gold: 94.0
3. Matt Ladley: 93

Shaun White wins qualifier 4, Taylor Gold locks in a spot to Sochi

Come qualifier #4, Shaun White, who strategically skipped the first qualifier of the day, stepped up to the pipe and laid down a cab double cork 1440, taking home a nearly perfect 98.60. Scotty Lago was hands down the crowd favorite for the second qualifier, and his second place win after a 15-ft method is proof that style does still matter in the contest scene (hallelujah). Lago’s second place puts him back in the running for the US team, though he would need to take first in the final qualifier to make it to lock down a spot. For his part, Taylor Gold doubled down on the podium today, following the morning’s second place with a still solid third in qualifier #4.

 

Results from Olympic Qualifier #4:
1. Shaun White: 98.60
2. Scotty Lago:
3. Taylor Gold:

Current US Olympic snowboard team rankings list, based off of Olympic qualification points earned:
1. Taylor Gold: 1,800 (Qualified to Sochi)
2. Greg Bretz: 1,800
3. Shaun White: 1,800
4. Danny Davis: 1,450
5. Scotty Lago: 1,250
6. Ben Ferguson: 1,050
7. Matt Ladley: 1,000
8. Louie Vito: 1,000
9. Benji Farrow: 860
10. Chase Josey: 680