This is how the “Freestyle Olympics” work: Here’s what you need to know about the X Games

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From January 26 to 28, the ski area of ​​Aspen (USA) in the Rocky Mountains will be transformed into a mecca for freeskiers and snowboarders. The X Games, the most important freestyle event in the world, have been held there every January for more than twenty years. Blick explains what you need to know about these games.

If you want to participate in the X Games, you must earn this privilege. Only eight athletes compete in each discipline. They must have already made a name for themselves at international events (preferably in the US) to get one of the coveted invitations in November. Everyone who reaches the podium at the X Games will be invited back next year. Newcomers and newcomers have no say in the Rocky Mountain show event.

In addition to the three World Cup disciplines Big Air, Slopestyle and Halfpipe, the Winter X Games offers a fourth discipline: Knuckle Huck! The riders jump over a relatively flat jump and are therefore close to the ground. A lot of creativity is required to make spectacular use of the short flight time. There are no qualifications in any discipline. Anyone with a ticket for the X Games can participate in the final on site.

The X Games are above all one thing: a gigantic TV spectacle, organized by the American television channel ESPN. There is $750,000 in prize money available for the Aspen event alone. In the summer, ESPN organizes X Games for skateboarders and BMX riders.

In Colorado, fourteen medal decisions will be made within three days. The organizers spare no effort to create the perfect show. Even during training, the athletes are transported back up the mountain by snowmobile after each run. Meanwhile, in the valley, a number of DJs and bands are warming up the crowd.

17 times precious metal. This is the Aspen output so far from the five-member Swiss delegation invited to the Rocky Mountains. Freeski team leader Mathilde Gremaud (23) is the clear favorite for gold with her phenomenal season record of four wins at five World Cups. Sarah Höfflin (33), who participates in three disciplines, also has a chance of winning a medal.

Giulia Tanno, who is finally fit again after a long series of setbacks, has a bone to pick with Aspen. In 2022, she was injured at the X Games and therefore missed the Olympics. And then there is Andri Ragettli (25), who often narrowly missed the podium this season and is looking forward to the X Games. In addition to the strong ski contingent, Jan Scherrer (29) is the only Swiss participating on the snowboard. After he had to cancel the Laax Open last weekend due to illness, we can look forward to his performance in the Superpipe.

Source : Blick