Seamus O’Connor to get a second chance in Sochi

Ireland’s Seamus O’Connor will have another chance to qualify for the final of the slopestyle snowboarding event on Saturday after both his runs this morning ended with his failing to pull off a new trick. The 16-year-old from San Diego finished 13th in his heat, with only the top four to qualify. It leaves him among 21 riders competing for the remaining four places.

O’Connor was in trouble early on in his first run when his timing on one jump was a little off, causing him to put his hand down to the snow to steady himself. It slowed his momentum heading into the final jump where he attempted a triple cork for the first time ever in competition but hadn’t the speed to get it done and ended up on the flat of his back.

He came closer to landing it on his second run but could quite hold it and fell again. It meant he posted a best score of 40.00, well below what was needed to make the final. The lowest score to make it through from his heat was 91.25.

“It was enjoyable,” he told The Irish Times. “In amongst the fear, there was definitely enjoyment. That was a brand new trick for me so I was a little nervous but I felt confident in myself that I would be able to get it turned around. And I did - I just didn’t get my feet down.

“I get to compete again the day after tomorrow so hopefully in the meantime I’ll be able to get that trick down. I’ll go and get some physio now on my hip because I kind of hurt it on that first fall and then just keep at it and try to do better the day after tomorrow.”