Chinese snowboarder Su Yiming wins bronze in the men’s big air final at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, reflecting on pressure, growth, and the evolving level of competition.
Chinese snowboarder Su Yiming claimed the bronze medal in the men’s big air final at the Milan Winter Olympics on February 7th, marking China’s first medal of the Games. Japan’s Kimura Aoi and Kimata Ryoma delivered more consistent runs to take gold and silver, as the final turned into a high-level showdown among Asia’s top riders, according to CNS.
A Podium Moment Beyond Medals
After stepping off the podium at Livigno Snow Park, Su did not follow the other medalists. Instead, he walked into the crowd to find his parents. He hugged them and placed his bronze medal around their necks, one at a time.
The moment quickly drew attention on the site. For Su, it mattered as much as the result itself.
“I knew what I wanted to show today,” he said. “I gave everything I had.”
Su, the reigning Olympic champion from Beijing 2022, entered the final under heavy pressure. In the decisive round, rival riders pushed scores higher. Su landed his final jump with confidence but made a slight mistake on landing. That error kept him from moving ahead in the standings.
“With a perfect landing, the total score could have been higher,” he said. “But that’s competition. There are always uncertainties in sport.”
Despite the disappointment, Su congratulated the two Japanese riders. “We train and compete together almost every day,” he said. “We share both joy and pressure. Every athlete who fights for what they love deserves respect.”
From Prodigy to Veteran
Compared with four years ago, the men’s snowboard big air field has advanced rapidly. Athletes now attempt higher rotations, cleaner takeoffs, and more complex grabs. The margins for error have grown smaller.
Among the 12 finalists in Beijing 2022, Su was the only rider to return to the Olympic final this time. At nearly 22, he was no longer the youngest on the field. Many of his competitors were born after 2005. In this context, Su has already become one of the more experienced athletes.
He described the bronze medal as a reflection of growth rather than decline.
According to Su Yiming, the true appeal of competitive sport is not just winning gold; it is committing fully to what you love.
Su also revealed that he has landed several new high-difficulty tricks in training. He chose not to attempt them in the final due to form and strategy. That decision, he said, now fuels his motivation for what comes next.
“I’m still the kid who loves snowboarding,” Su said. “And I’m far from done.”
Written by Ronnie Yu.
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