Wanaka’s Nico Porteous (19) has claimed the bronze medal at the men’s FIS Freeski Halfpipe World Cup held in Aspen this morning (Monday March 22).

This is the final halfpipe event of the 2021 season and Nico has landed on the podium at every event he has competed in this season.

“It feels really nice, one of those moments where it feels like all the hard work has paid off. I would have loved to win all three events, but you can’t do everything, and I am stoked with how I have been skiing lately,” Nico said.

With 12 men in the final and three runs each to earn the single top score, Nico took a more cautious approach in run one. Sitting in sixth position going into his second run he knew he had to step it up and laced together a more technical run which included his left double 1620 to take the top spot with a score of 94.50. 

With one run to go Aaron Blunck (USA) put down an impressive third run, scoring 96.50 bumping Nico into second position. Brendan Mackay (CAN) then laid down a technical third run to score 95.00 to take second place and move Nico into the bronze medal position. 

Nico executed the run he has won two gold medals with this season (X Games Aspen and World Champs) but had a deep landing on the right double 1620 resulting in a score deduction. 

Heading into his third run Nico said he didn’t check the score, just focused on his plan.

“I was fully focused on what I had to do. I felt some pressure but didn’t let it get to me and concentrated on my skiing.” 

His older brother Miguel was also competing in today’s final and finished in ninth position after having a crash on his third run trying a historic first trick combo consisting of back-to-back switch double Ally-oop 900s. 

Today’s World Cup concludes the FIS Freeski Halfpipe World Cup Circuit for the 2021 season.  

Watch Nico's run

PHOTO: Tommy Pyatt