ASPEN, Colo. — Olympic gold medalist and snowboarding sensation Ayumu Hirano has experienced a significant life transformation: he’s now a father. This new chapter in his life has been captivating his attention just as much as his thrilling triple corks and spectacular big airs have. As he gears up for another Olympic run next year, his dedication to his child remains paramount.
“My life beyond snowboarding is centered around enjoying moments with my child,” commented the Japanese snowboarder. His remarks came as he readied himself for the launch of The Snow League, a new professional halfpipe event spearheaded by snowboarding legend Shaun White. While practicing and preparing are crucial, family time holds a special place for Hirano.
Hirano carved his name in snowboarding history at the Beijing Olympics three years back when he performed the mind-boggling triple cork — a sequence of three head-over-heels flips. However, at a recent event in Aspen, he was reminded that to stay on top, a single trick isn’t enough. His competition against fellow snowboarder Yuto Totsuka highlighted this, with Totsuka winning due to his technical yet less flashy style.
In the final showdown, Totsuka executed his triple cork, leading a Japanese sweep at the inaugural Snow League event. While Ruka Hirano, no relation to Ayumu, secured second place, Ayumu came in third. Despite the results, Hirano, at 26, understands that diversifying his snowboarding skills is key.
“I’m concentrating on the overall performance to reduce the risks associated with big tricks,” he explained. “But the competition level is high, so innovating within this space is my challenge, and I’m eager to take it on.”
Away from the limelight of the halfpipe, Hirano prefers to keep his personal life private. He’s tight-lipped about details like his child’s name or even gender, maintaining a distinct boundary between his sport and personal life.
A lingering topic of interest is whether Hirano aspires to be the face of professional snowboarding, a role that Shaun White has embodied for over two decades. Despite his immense skill, Hirano’s public persona remains understated, although his snowboarding journey is anything but short.
At just 14 years old, Hirano became a prominent figure with a silver at the Winter X Games, making him one of the youngest athletes to achieve this at such a prestigious event. His career has since then been one of facing steep challenges and growing expectations, particularly in his Olympic pursuits.
“He’s had a career full of pressure, but recently he’s topped it as the leading contender at the Olympics,” White noted. “His last Olympic run was testament to his resilience and skill.”
The run that White refers to is Hirano’s triumphant moment in 2022. After executing a flawless triple cork during his second performance, Hirano clinched gold, solidifying his status as a champion. This victory elevated Hirano’s fame in Japan and beyond, with his image appearing prominently from Tokyo to Sydney.
For Hirano, fame isn’t a pursuit. It’s an extension of his professional journey. Fatherhood has given his career a deeper meaning and motivation, something that goes beyond personal accomplishment.
“My legacy isn’t just for me anymore, but for my child’s future,” he expressed. “I’m incredibly lucky to keep doing what I love, and my family is my greatest source of strength and motivation.”