Mitsuki Ono in Second After First Run of Olympic Halfpipe Final

Japan's Mitsuki Ono sits in second place after the first run of the women's halfpipe final at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympics.

The 21-year-old snowboarder, competing in her second consecutive Olympic Games, delivered a strong opening run to position herself among the medal contenders in the highly anticipated final. Ono previously represented Japan at the Beijing 2022 Olympics, where she gained valuable experience on the sport's biggest stage.

The women's halfpipe competition showcases the world's elite riders executing technical tricks and amplitude in the iconic half-pipe structure. Athletes receive two scored runs in the final, with their best score counting toward the final standings. This format allows competitors to take risks and push their limits, knowing they have a second opportunity to land their most difficult tricks.

Ono Mitsuki's Olympic Journey

Ono's second-place position after the opening run demonstrates her continued growth as a competitive halfpipe rider. Having competed at Beijing 2022 as a teenager, she brings increased maturity and technical skill to these Milano-Cortina Games. The Japanese snowboard program has produced numerous world-class halfpipe riders in recent years, and Ono represents the next generation of talent from the nation.

With one run remaining in the final, Ono will have the opportunity to improve her score or defend her position against the field. The women's halfpipe competition consistently delivers dramatic finishes, as riders attempt increasingly difficult trick combinations to secure podium positions.

Live Coverage from Milano-Cortina

Japanese broadcaster NHK is providing comprehensive live coverage of the women's snowboard halfpipe final, allowing fans throughout Japan to follow Ono's pursuit of an Olympic medal. The coverage includes both traditional television broadcast and digital streaming options, ensuring accessibility for viewers across multiple platforms.

The Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympics marks Italy's return to hosting the Winter Games, with venues spread across the Milano and Cortina d'Ampezzo regions. The halfpipe competition takes place at one of the purpose-built freestyle venues, featuring state-of-the-art facilities for the world's best snowboarders.