The Americans have reigned supreme in the Winter Games freeski events, but yesterday it was the Australians' turn to shine in the snowboard cross, with current world champion and X Games competitor Alex Pullin taking the honours in the men's competition and Belle Brockhof the surprise winner in the women's competition.
The fast-paced race, much like a motocross event on snow, featured two stages. In the first, riders completed a time trial to decide the order in which they raced, before competing in heats of four. The first two to cross the line in each race progressed to the next round of competition.
After surviving the series of eliminations and securing the gold medal, Pullin (23) was feeling positive about his northern hemisphere season ahead - "I'll be aiming again for the top" - and said the Winter Games played a key role in getting him there.
"The Winter Games is fantastic, in that it provides another major competition during the southern hemisphere season. It's critical to our training and to being in top form for the northern hemisphere season," he said.
"I'll definitely be over every time it's on. It's something I'm 100% supportive of."
Pullin praised his team-mates Cameron Bolton and Andy Fischer who came second and fourth respectively.
"We've been working hard to bring these two developing athletes up and it was fantastic to see them step it up for this competition."
Third was Chris Mahaney, of the United States, the second highest ranked competitor in the 31-strong field.
New Zealand's top-ranked snowboard cross rider Philip Dominick was the best placed New Zealander in the event, finishing sixth, with fellow Aucklander Cody Logan eighth.
An upset in the women's competition saw top-ranked rider, 2010 Olympian and X Games silver medallist Callan Chythlook-Sifsof, of the US, slide out in the semifinals while overtaking another athlete, costing her a spot in the finals and allowing Brockhof (18) to take gold.
Australian Alexandra Lockie was second and Japan's Karen Iwadare rounded out the podium.
Brockhof was thrilled with her win, which came in her third race back in the discipline after a two-year break while she temporarily changed her focus to slalom and parallel giant slalom.
"When I stopped competing, I was ranked 32nd in the world. It feels good to be making a comeback," she said.
"I knew with Callan in the field I needed to go flat out. I was hungry for the win today."
It was Brockhof's first time competing at the Winter Games, an experience she rated highly.
"It's great, so much fun. I really really love it and I'm definitely coming back next time ... everyone's really nice and the organisation's really good."
The Winter Games continues today with the free ski big air at Cardrona Alpine Resort.
