Congrats are in order for Mark McMorris!
The 25-year-old professional snowboarder snagged the silver medal in the Men’s Snowboard Big Air competition on Friday (January 25) at X Games Aspen 2019 — making this his SIXTEENTH X Games medal since his debut in Aspen in 2011.
X Games Aspen 2019 Day 2 Recap – January 25, 2019
After going in and out surgery since his major, life-threatening crash in 2017, Mark McMorris has been more determined than ever to keep his top spot in both Big Air and Slopestyle competitions across the world. In true Mark McMorris style, the 25-year-old lived up to his expectations on Friday night by not only snagging the silver medal, but also by landing a trick that’s never been done before only five days being on a snowboard. He received surgery a month and a half ago in which pins were removed from his leg.
“I just had surgery. I just got through the gnarliest event in snowboarding, X Games Big Air,” McMorris said after finishing in second place. “It means the world, I love coming here. Obviously Big Air is a super progressive sport…to land on the podium feels pretty special.”
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Rounding out the podium was 17-year-old Takeru Otsuka, who proved he’s the new king of Big Air with a repeat gold. Dropping a frontside triple cork 1800 tail grab on his second run, Otsuka added a cab triple 1620 indy grab on his final run to take the gold with a score of 88.00. Sven Thorgen received the bronze medal with a score of 76.00.
(Photo by Gabriel Christus / ESPN Images)
Celeb Secrets caught up with McMorris moments after winning the silver medal at the base of Buttermilk Mountain on Friday. In the video below, he talks about how he managed to walk away with his SIXTEENTH X Games, what motivates him when he’s competing, and how he preps to land a run of a lifetime.
Keep up with McMorris by following him on Instagram at @markmcmorris and watch his 2nd place run:
