Finley Melville Ives Triumphs at 2026 Toyota U.S. Grand Prix Freeski Competition
In an exhilarating start to 2026, Finley Melville Ives, a prominent member of the Monster Energy team, has stunned audiences by securing first place in the Men's Freeski Halfpipe at the prestigious 2026 Toyota U.S. Grand Prix held at Aspen Snowmass. This monumental event took place over the weekend from January 7 to 10, where top athletes gathered to compete in thrilling halfpipe and slopestyle disciplines.
Finley, hailing from Wānaka, New Zealand, dominated the competition, cementing his status as a formidable athlete in freeskiing. On Saturday, during the finals, he exhibited remarkable athleticism with a source of energy that couldn’t be matched by his competitors. His victory run began with an impressive switch right double cork 1080 safety, immediately followed by a left double cork 1620 mute. He maintained an exceptional rhythm throughout his performance, ultimately finishing with a stunning right double cork 1620 safety on the last hit, achieving a score of 95.00 points.
Reflecting on his achievement, Ives expressed his passion for skiing, stating, "I'm just trying to have as much fun as possible when I'm skiing, and skiing is my happy place. To be able to do it in front of so many people, it's really like the halfpipe is a blank canvas and you're just like an artist with a brush." This is not just a victory; it’s a new chapter in his already remarkable career, marking his second World Cup win of this season. Just weeks prior, he showcased his talent at the FIS World Cup in Calgary, and earlier this season, he secured a triumph at Secret Garden, China.
In addition to Ives' stunning performance in the Men's Freeski Halfpipe, the weekend hosted thrilling showdowns in other categories. The Women's Freeski Halfpipe saw 22-year-old Zoe Atkin from Park City, Utah, narrowly miss out on victory, securing second place with an impressive score just 0.25 points shy of the top rank. Her performance included a series of complex maneuvers that emphasized her technical skill and competitive spirit.
The Men's Snowboard Slopestyle also witnessed remarkable performances, with 20-year-old Monster Army rider Dane Menzies finishing in third place. His flawless run highlighted elements such as a switch front boardslide 270 and a backdrop 1620, sealing the podium for the team once again. In the Women's division, Kokomo Murase, an established contender from Gifu, Japan, also claimed third place, showcasing her medal-winning prowess with a combination of skills that kept the audience on edge.
The 2026 Toyota U.S. Grand Prix at Aspen Snowmass is renowned as the longest-running winter action sports competition, attracting elite athletes from around the globe. This year’s contests not only emphasized individual performances but also played an integral role as part of the qualification series for the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
As the season progresses, attention now turns to the iconic LAAX OPEN in Switzerland, set to take place from January 14-18, where more thrilling competitions await. For those keen to follow the action or seeking updates on Finley Melville Ives and his fellow Monster Energy athletes, visit www.monsterenergy.com, or check their social media channels for the latest news and highlights from the winter sports season.
With the momentum gained from such a successful start, enthusiasts can expect more breathtaking performances as these athletes continue to push boundaries, embodying the spirit of competition and artistry in the world of winter sports.
Finley, hailing from Wānaka, New Zealand, dominated the competition, cementing his status as a formidable athlete in freeskiing. On Saturday, during the finals, he exhibited remarkable athleticism with a source of energy that couldn’t be matched by his competitors. His victory run began with an impressive switch right double cork 1080 safety, immediately followed by a left double cork 1620 mute. He maintained an exceptional rhythm throughout his performance, ultimately finishing with a stunning right double cork 1620 safety on the last hit, achieving a score of 95.00 points.
Reflecting on his achievement, Ives expressed his passion for skiing, stating, "I'm just trying to have as much fun as possible when I'm skiing, and skiing is my happy place. To be able to do it in front of so many people, it's really like the halfpipe is a blank canvas and you're just like an artist with a brush." This is not just a victory; it’s a new chapter in his already remarkable career, marking his second World Cup win of this season. Just weeks prior, he showcased his talent at the FIS World Cup in Calgary, and earlier this season, he secured a triumph at Secret Garden, China.
In addition to Ives' stunning performance in the Men's Freeski Halfpipe, the weekend hosted thrilling showdowns in other categories. The Women's Freeski Halfpipe saw 22-year-old Zoe Atkin from Park City, Utah, narrowly miss out on victory, securing second place with an impressive score just 0.25 points shy of the top rank. Her performance included a series of complex maneuvers that emphasized her technical skill and competitive spirit.
The Men's Snowboard Slopestyle also witnessed remarkable performances, with 20-year-old Monster Army rider Dane Menzies finishing in third place. His flawless run highlighted elements such as a switch front boardslide 270 and a backdrop 1620, sealing the podium for the team once again. In the Women's division, Kokomo Murase, an established contender from Gifu, Japan, also claimed third place, showcasing her medal-winning prowess with a combination of skills that kept the audience on edge.
The 2026 Toyota U.S. Grand Prix at Aspen Snowmass is renowned as the longest-running winter action sports competition, attracting elite athletes from around the globe. This year’s contests not only emphasized individual performances but also played an integral role as part of the qualification series for the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
As the season progresses, attention now turns to the iconic LAAX OPEN in Switzerland, set to take place from January 14-18, where more thrilling competitions await. For those keen to follow the action or seeking updates on Finley Melville Ives and his fellow Monster Energy athletes, visit www.monsterenergy.com, or check their social media channels for the latest news and highlights from the winter sports season.
With the momentum gained from such a successful start, enthusiasts can expect more breathtaking performances as these athletes continue to push boundaries, embodying the spirit of competition and artistry in the world of winter sports.
Topics Sports）
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