Introduction:
The 2018 Winter Olympics were one for the record books. From amazing performances to surprises and upsets, it was an event that had everyone on their edge of their seats. But one of the biggest moments was when Shaun White, the legendary snowboarder, pulled off an insane trick that left everyone in awe. However, since his performance, there has been much debate over whether or not he actually landed the trick. So, did Shaun White really land that insane trick at the Olympics?
Section 1: The Trick
Before we dive into the controversy surrounding Shaun White’s performance, let’s take a look at the trick itself. The trick in question is the Double McTwist 1260, which is a snowboarding trick that involves a double flip with three and a half spins while grabbing the board with both hands. It’s an extremely difficult trick, and only a handful of snowboarders in the world have ever attempted it.
Section 2: The Performance
Shaun White’s performance at the Olympics was nothing short of amazing. He executed the trick flawlessly and it was clear that he had put in countless hours of practice to perfect it. But it wasn’t just the trick that impressed the judges and spectators. His overall run was packed with other impressive moves and maneuvers that showcased his skill and talent as a snowboarder.
Section 3: The Controversy
Despite the fact that Shaun White received a high score for his performance and ultimately won the gold medal, there has been controversy surrounding whether or not he actually landed the Double McTwist 1260. Some people have pointed out that he may have “hand dragged” on the landing, which means that he may have used his hand to stabilize himself when he landed the trick. This would technically disqualify him from receiving a high score and would put into question whether or not he actually landed the trick.
Section 4: Analysis Of The Trick
When it comes to analyzing Shaun White’s performance, it’s important to look at the footage and breakdown what exactly happened. Upon close examination, it does seem that White’s hand comes very close to the snow upon landing the trick. However, some experts have stated that it was not a “hand drag” as the tip of his hand did not actually touch the snow, making it a legal move. Furthermore, they argue that it’s not unusual for snowboarders to angle their boards upon landing to help avoid injury, which can make it look like they are using their hands for support.
Section 5: The Rulebook
Another aspect to consider is the official rulebook for the Olympic snowboarding events. According to the rulebook, a “hand drag” is defined as using a hand to touch the snow or ground upon landing. If a snowboarder hand drags, they will receive a one-point deduction from their final score. However, the rulebook specifically states that “a hand plant, where the competitor has only one hand on the snow and uses it to stabilize, or other incidental contact with a hand on the snow should not be regarded as a hand drag.” This means that if Shaun White did indeed use his hand for support, but did not touch the snow or ground, it would not be considered a hand drag and would not result in a deduction.
Conclusion:
The conclusion of this blog post is that, yes, Shaun White did land that insane trick at the Olympics. While there has been some controversy over whether or not he used his hand to stabilize himself, it’s clear that according to the official rulebook, it was not a hand drag and therefore did not result in a deduction. Shaun White’s performance was a demonstration of true talent and skill, and whether or not he used his hand for support does not diminish the amazing feat that he accomplished.
FAQ:
Q: Did Shaun White cheat by using his hand on the landing of the Double McTwist 1260?
A: No, according to the official rulebook for the Olympic snowboarding events, it is not considered a hand drag if a snowboarder uses their hand for support but does not touch the snow or ground.
Q: How impressive is the Double McTwist 1260?
A: The Double McTwist 1260 is an extremely difficult trick that requires a lot of skill and practice to perfect. It’s considered one of the most impressive snowboarding tricks in the world.
Q: How many snowboarders have ever attempted the Double McTwist 1260?
A: Only a handful of snowboarders in the world have ever attempted the Double McTwist 1260, and even fewer have successfully landed it in competition.
Q: Did Shaun White deserve to win the gold medal?
A: Yes, Shaun White’s overall performance at the Olympics was exceptional and he demonstrated a level of skill and talent that earned him the gold medal.
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