by Alan Crosby (Reuters)
But competitors and officials alike seemed more concerned
about the sport's image off the slope rather than on it after
Wednesday's disqualification of Canadian giant slalom winner
Ross Rebagliati for drug use.
Simmen built on a strong first run in the final to cruise
past favourites Daniel Franck of Norway, who took silver, and
bronze winner American Ross Powers to the top of the podium.
``I have never ridden as well as I did today, maybe in my
dreams I've ridden that well, but that's all,'' said Simmen who,
like all the riders at the post event news conference, demanded
that the IOC reinstate Rebagliati.
It was Simmen's first victory in a major event. His previous
best was a second place showing in a World Cup competition in St
Moritz in January.
Franck, who battled a shoulder injury suffered in practice
earlier in the day, looked to have the competition sewn up with
the day's best ride in the second run. But Simmen countered with
a clean, though less spectacular run of his own.
``I pulled it (my shoulder) pretty bad but when I was riding
I didn't hurt so much. I'm happy I went from sixth to second
place,'' said the Norwegian, his hair dyed in a leopard skin
pattern.
Canada's Brett Carpentier, who led after the qualifying
round and was second going into the final, saw his medal hopes
crash with two spills. Carpentier finished ninth.
Thost also upset the favourites on her way to gold, putting
together two solid runs to edge out Norway's Stine Brun Kjeldaas
and American Shannon Dunn, who took bronze.
``Both of my runs were planned and I think the conditions
didn't really bother me. The pipe held up fine, and maybe even
better with the rain since you could get a better grip with your
edges,'' she said.
Snowboarding made a controverisal Olympic debut, with
Rebagliati's disqualification followed by the cancellation of
the accreditation of Martin Freinademetz by Austrian officials
on Thursday for excessive partying and causing damage at his
hotel.
Nearly 10,000 spectators braved the weather at the
Kanbayashi Snowboard Park just north of Nagano to watch riders
from more than 20 countries soar, spin and somersault in
winter's fastest growing sport.
Somewhere in this photo is Gian Simmen of Switzerland about to win the Gold Medal.
OTHER NEWS
It's Over: Halfpipe Finals Thu. (Feb. 12 @ 8:57:AM est)
Rebagliati Gets Gold Medal Back! Thu. (Feb. 12 @ 5:34:AM est)
Mary Jane and Steep Halfpipes: Welcome To Our World Wed. (Feb. 11 @ 9:23:PM est)
A Coaches Diary: Mary Jane Steals The Gold Wed. (Feb. 11 @ 11:33:AM est)
The Last Hemptation of Ross Wed. (Feb. 11 @ 5:58:AM est)
Up In Smoke: IOC Burns Snowboarding Wed. (Feb. 11 @ 2:50:AM est)
Snowboarding's Tokin' Gold: IOC Wants Rebagliati's Medal Back Wed. (Feb. 11 @ 1:47:AM est)
Karine Ruby Captures GS Gold For France Tue. (Feb. 10 @ 7:51:PM est)
A Coach's Diary: Welcome to My Nightmare Tue. (Feb. 10 @ 1:06:PM est)
A Coaches Diary: Notes From The Edge Tue. (Feb. 10 @ 12:52:PM est)
Women's GS Postponed Due to Weather Mon. (Feb. 09 @ 1:28:PM est)
Wrong Side of the Fence: The Olympic Men's GS Sun. (Feb. 08 @ 1:09:PM est)
Racing Rules Sun. (Feb. 08 @ 1:09:PM est)
Games On: The Opening Ceremony Sat. (Feb. 07 @ 12:29:PM est)
SOLYMPICS NAVIGATION:
SOLympics Message Boards | Event Overviews | Schedule | Event Coverage | Results | Audio Clips | Photos | U.S. Grand Prix | Snowboarding TV Listings
SOL NAVIGATION:
SOL | Scoop | Hardware | Industry | Circleplus | Push | Travel | Interact | School | Weather | Terrain | Compete | Mediator