Australia’s Cooper Woods finishes sixth in men’s moguls, as Matt Graham misses out on the finals
Australia’s Cooper Woods finishes sixth in men’s moguls
An Australia’s Cooper Woods debutant, Cooper Woods had a fantastic run to the Superfinal in the men’s moguls at the Beijing Winter Olympics before placing sixth.
The Olympic newcomer was second out of the blocks in the medal round and stunned the Australian squad with a fast, clever run.
The 21-year-old let out a huge yell as he crossed the finish line. Also, it earned him his highest score of the night of 78.88. But he was still placed sixth behind gold medalist Walter Wallberg of Sweden. Also, who defeated defending champion Mikael Kingsbury of Canada.
Matt Graham, the silver medalist from Pyeongchang, had previously missed out on the finals after failing to perform in the crucial second qualification run.
It was, however, a night to remember for Woods.
“That was the day I had been planning. Since I was a young adolescent. That was a fantastic evening. “After the event, Woods commented.
According to Woods
After finishing 14th in preliminary qualifying on Thursday, Woods stated that he was determined to improve.
“I’ve been working with my coach for the last two years just on consistency, just laying down that clean performance, especially on a course like this, which is really challenging because the conditions are becoming so firm in there.”
After qualifying, Woods and fellow Australian Brodie Summers were invited to the 20-man final 1. Also, where they scored strong enough scores to proceed after the field was reduced to 12.
Summers was eliminated from the competition after finishing 10th. But Woods finished fifth in the final 2 to advance to the medal round, final 3.
Graham was on the verge of missing the final after failing. Also, to complete his first run at the Zhangjiakou course on Thursday.
Graham’s preparation for the Games was hampered last December. When he shattered his collarbone and had to undergo surgery.
Graham’s second run came near the conclusion of qualifying. And a score of 74.49 or better was required to proceed. Graham was noticeably upset when the 27-year-old finished 19th with a time of 65.13.
“This is the most agonising and heartbreaking ache I’ve ever experienced. Obviously, the broken collarbone hurt, but this hurts a lot more “After qualifying, he said.
“Everything was there, and the entire package was there; all I had to do was execute.”
According to Summers, Woods, and James Matheson
Summers, Woods, and James Matheson, three other Australians, were also in the second round of qualification despite initially losing out.
Summers finished 11th in preliminary qualifying. He also earned the second of ten available slots in the finals, improving his score with a 77.93-point performance.
Woods was fourth going into Saturday’s event, but he had a fantastic second run, landing both of his jumps before collapsing just after the finish line.
Despite the judges’ deductions, Woods finished fourth behind Summers with 76.74.
Matheson improved on his initial qualifying time with a 73.20 in qualification 2. However, he was unable to proceed to the final, finishing 14th.
Woods blasted down the course at a breakneck pace in the first final.
Summers got several deductions on his twists. But he flew out of his first air and landed 1080 at the bottom.
He had to wait until the second-to-last participant, Finland’s Jimi Salonen. Also, he failed to complete before his score of 76.15 qualified him for the 12th and final position. Summers finished 11th in preliminary qualifying. He also earned the second of ten available slots in the finals, improving his score with a 77.93-point performance. Matheson improved on his initial qualifying time with a 73.20 in qualification 2. However, he was unable to proceed to the final, finishing 14th.
