WINTER OLYMPIC DAILY UPDATES: #6 THE “FLYING TOMATO” (AKA SHAUN WHITE) CLAIMS HISTORIC OLYMPIC GOLD

Despite fierce opposition, snowboarding legend Shaun White became the first ever snowboarder to win three Olympic titles this morning. Unfortunately, PyeongChang’s pesky wind was back, forcing the postponement of the women’s Alpine Slalom and Biathlon.

After being twice delayed, the decision was made early this morning to postpone the Women’s Alpine Slalom, rescheduling it for Friday 16^th February. That means Team GB’s Alex Tilley will have to compete then and once again on the following day, when she’s due to tackle the Super-G.

The wind didn’t seem to bother the Men’s Snowboard Halfpipe athletes too much, who put down some incredible runs this morning, soaring to heights of over 5m and nailing back-to-back 1440s. Despite an impressive second run by Japanese teenager Ayumu Hirano, Shaun White held his nerve and delivered a final run that secured him a score of 97.75 and his third Olympic gold. The victory secured a 100th Winter Olympic gold for the United States. When asked whether his record established him as the greatest snowboarder of all time, White replied with typical humility: “Yeah, you can say that. I wouldn’t disagree.”

This is the most amazing day of my life! We did it? #Olympics #GoldMedal ?- @ussnowboardteam

A post shared by Shaun White (@shaunwhite) on Feb 13, 2018 at 10:02pm PST

Meanwhile, Team GB’s skeleton team are coming under scrutiny from fellow competitors because of their snazzy new hi-tech suits. As we mentioned in our last daily update, all three GB skeleton athletes (Lizzy Yarnold, Laura Deas and Dominic Parsons) have recorded fastest runs in this week’s women’s and men’s training heats, perhaps inspiring a touch of envy in their competitors. Complaints have now been logged about the legality of the athletes’ new suits, which have special drag-resistant ridges, but these were promptly quashed by the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation. Superhero suit or not, we’re confident Dominic will smash tomorrow morning’s Men’s Skeleton Heats – watch this space!

Had an awesome time at @teamgb kitting out, feeling ready to go and do something special in Pyeongchang #adidas #heretocreate #pathtopyeongchang #olympics #pyeongchang2018 #wintersport #winterwonderland #southkorea

A post shared by Laura Deas (@skeleton_laura_gb) on Jan 25, 2018 at 9:54am PST

Also up tomorrow (wind permitting, of course) is the long-awaited Men’s Alpine Downhill, which kicks off at 02.30 GMT. One of the most prestigious events of the Winter Olympics, we’re setting our alarms to watch Matthias Mayer, Beat Feuz and Aksel Lund Svindal battle it out in what should be an epic event. In addition to Alex Tilley and Dominic Parsons, Team GB will be represented tomorrow by the men’s and women’s curling teams and by Annika Taylor (Women’s Cross-Country 10km Free at 06.30 GMT) and Amanda Lightfoot (Women’s 15km Biathlon at 08.15 GMT).