Ono Misuki leads the way in women’s halfpipe
Ono Mitsuki (JPN) triumphed in the women's halfpipe at Lausanne 2020 Winter Youth Olympic Games and is another young athletes to have already made her mark on the senior circuit.
“I am always competing in the World Cup,” Mitsuki said. “And this final pushed me to that level.”
The Japanese star finished ninth in her most recent World Cup appearance, in Secret Garden, China, a month ago. And after winning the halfpipe Junior World Championships in 2018 and 2019, plus finishing third in her national championships last year, the competition know Ono is the real deal.
“She is really good,” said Berenice Wicki (SUI) who claimed bronze behind Mitsuki and her compatriot Kaji Manon. “They are both in front in the World Cups, it was really tough.”
Kaji ended 10 points behind Mitsuki with Wicki a further four back.
While eyeing the second half of a season packed with further opportunities to test herself against the best, Mitsuki is also excited by another looming Olympic date.
“I live near Tokyo so it’s great that’s next,” the 15-year-old said of the 2020 Olympic Games. “I can’t wait to see it all.”