Today had its ups and downs for the US Team, as they are hurdling towards the final events of the Sochi Games with a strong medal count lead. The USA’s Maddie Bowman won gold in the Women’s Ski Halfpipe, winning the first American gold in the event. Bowman, who won with a score of 89 points, easily beat France’s Marie Matinod. All four American women competing in the event qualified for the finals, but only Bowman was able to get on the podium. The next highest American finisher was Brita Sigourney, who placed 6th.
Now onto figure skating and American prodigy Gracie Gold. Sadly, Gold did not live up to her name and finished 4th. However, many expect her to be back for the 2018 games in South Korea. Gold finished with 205.53 points in the free skate, missing a medal by 11 points. Russia’s Adelina Sotnikova won the event with a score of 224.59 after a masterful and unexpected performance.
Let’s now take a look at the medal count. The US is on top with 25, while Russia is just behind them with 23. The Dutch’s medal surge has slowed, and they sit at 22. Norway has surged to 21 medals, so expect them to try and make a late charge to unseat the Dutch.
Coming up tomorrow, be sure to watch the US men’s Hockey play Canada in the semifinal. That game airs at 11 AM on NBC Sports and should be an exciting game as the winner is guaranteed a medal.