U.S.A Skier David Wise wins gold in halfpipe Freestyle Skiing at 2014 Olympics

David Wise of the US became the first ever gold medalist in the Olympic men’s freestyle skiing halfpipe competition on Tuesday, overcoming a buildup of snow to fend off his rivals. Wise, the 23-year-old world champion and three-time X-Games winner in the event, was a heavy favorite for the competition, which made its Olympic debut in Sochi. He won with a score of 92. Canada’s Mike Riddle took second with 90.6 and France’s Kevin Rolland took third with a score of 88.6.Even though Wise's best run came on his first heat, the second-heat of the 12-man final wasn't without drama. Having already guaranteed himself a silver medal, Wise was the second-to-last skier to hit the pipe at the Rosa Khutor Extreme Park. He caught the lip of the pipe with his left ski after his first pass, ending any shot he had at improving his first-run score. Wise probably benefitted from establishing himself in the lead as the conditions continued to deteriorate. The only man left who could supplant Wise as the inaugural gold-medal winner was Canada's Justin Dorey, who finished in first place after Tuesday's qualifying with a score of 91.6.Wise fell on his second run and skied straight down afterward, earning a 3.4 to record both the highest and lowest scores of the night. But he wasn't the only one to fall. The final four skiers all fell -- Wise, Rolland, Benoit Valentin and Justin Dorey, who went last and bowed backward on his landing before losing his balance. When he fell, Wise had the gold wrapped up. It was the 20th medal of the games for the U.S. and their sixth gold. Five of the golds and 11 medals overall have come from the action sports. "Dave is, right now, on top of the sport. He's the best. He's proven it multiple times,'' Blunck said. "He comes out in any condition and has amazing fun. He's the dad out of the group. So, no matter what he does, we're proud of him.