Bright brings Australia first Winter Olympic gold

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-02-19 16:32

VANCOUVER: Against all odds, Australia Torah Bright denied a medal sweep by the American favourites, winning the women's snowboard halfpipe champion at the Vancouver Olympic Winter Games here on Thursday.

Bright brings Australia first Winter Olympic gold

Gold medalist Torah Bright, of Australia, competes during the women's halfpipe qualifying on Cypress Mountain at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics, February 18, 2010. [Agencies]

Bright, who topped the qualification round but placed bottom in the first run of the final, came back strongly in the second run with her fancy performance, collecting in 45 points at Cyress Mountain.

Bright, 23, said her mindset going into her last run was nothing.

"I was standing up there, and was like 'there's nothing I can do now, whatever will be, will be'," said the Australian flagbearer at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games Opening Ceremony.

As one of the most stylish and technical riders amongst the women riders, Bright was the first Australian to claim a snowboard gold at the Winter Olympic Games.

"My feeling now? Maybe ask me tomorrow. I don't think it's quite sunk in yet. My parents actually surprised me. I can't wait to run to the grandstands and see them. We were planning on having a big party tonight whether I was on the podium or not," she added.

Bright edged two American contenders 2006 Olympic gold medallist Hannah Teter and 2002 Olympic champion Kelly Clark to a two-three finish in 42.4 and 42.2 points.

Teter was the most balanced rider as she placed front runner of the first run in 42.4 and performed well for her second attempt 39.2.

Teter said: "It was amazing, such a crazy event. It was crazy to be part of such a good show. My last run is just incredible, I came out of jumps doing what I know how to do and just stop it."

The reigning halfpipe World Cup and world champion Liu Jiayu of China, who just recovered from army injury one month ago, had to concede to fourth place in 39.2.

Queralt Castellet of Spain earned a spot to the 12-field final directly after she placed third in the qualification round. However, during the training between the qualification round and the semifinal, she crashed to faintness and had to quit the final.