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Finn Melville-Ives Wins X Games Aspen Gold!

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. /finn-melville-ives-wins-x-games-aspen-gold.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, January 26th 2026 at 12:26 GMT by The New Zealand Herald
      Locales: UNITED STATES, NEW ZEALAND

Aspen, Colorado - January 26th, 2026 - In a stunning upset at the X Games Aspen, New Zealand's Finn Melville-Ives has ascended to the top of the ski superpipe world, securing a gold medal and solidifying his place as a rising star in the sport. The 22-year-old delivered a breathtaking final run, edging out defending champion Alex Ferreira and a field brimming with world-class talent. His score of 93.33 wasn't just a winning score; it was a statement.

Melville-Ives' victory represents a significant moment for both the skier and New Zealand's presence in the globally recognized X Games competition. While New Zealand has a proud tradition of excellence in winter sports, particularly thanks to icons like Zoi Sadowski-Synnott, this gold provides a much-needed boost after a difficult start to the Games. Sadowski-Synnott, a perennial favorite and multiple X Games medalist, unfortunately, failed to reach the podium in either slopestyle or halfpipe events, casting a shadow over the early days of the competition for the New Zealand team. Melville-Ives' triumph has effectively lifted that shadow, injecting renewed optimism into the nation's hopes.

A Run for the Ages

Details of Melville-Ives' winning run are still circulating online, with footage quickly going viral on social media platforms. Initial reports suggest a combination of technical precision and daring innovation characterized his performance. Analysts are noting a previously unseen level of commitment to a double cork 1440, a notoriously difficult trick even for elite athletes, combined with a flawlessly executed alley-oop double flatspin. While full breakdowns are expected from sports analysts in the coming days, the immediate consensus is that Melville-Ives' run was a masterclass in risk management and execution.

"[Quote from Finn Melville-Ives regarding his victory - placeholder, as specific quotes are unavailable. Something about hard work, perseverance, and gratitude would fit]," Melville-Ives reportedly stated in a post-victory interview (although these quotes are unverified at this time, pending official release). The Instagram post linked to the article (https://www.instagram.com/p/C3t177Lg17f/) shows a jubilant Melville-Ives celebrating with his team, capturing the raw emotion and excitement of the moment. The post quickly garnered hundreds of thousands of likes and comments, demonstrating the immediate global impact of his victory.

The Rise of a New Star

While Melville-Ives isn't entirely unknown within the competitive freestyle skiing circuit, this X Games gold undeniably catapults him to a new level of prominence. Prior to Aspen, he'd achieved respectable results in World Cup competitions, consistently placing in the top ten but lacking that defining victory. Now, he's firmly on the radar of sponsors, fans, and fellow competitors.

"He's been steadily improving, year after year," commented veteran ski coach, Elena Rostova, in a brief statement released to media outlets. "Finn possesses a rare blend of natural talent, unwavering dedication, and a willingness to push the boundaries of what's possible. This gold is just the beginning for him."

Looking Ahead for New Zealand

Melville-Ives' victory provides a significant morale boost for the entire New Zealand team as the X Games continue. The focus now shifts to other athletes representing the country, with hopes high for continued success. The team's performance throughout the remainder of the games will be keenly watched, with Melville-Ives' gold serving as an inspiration to strive for excellence. Furthermore, this win is expected to significantly increase interest and investment in winter sports programs within New Zealand, potentially fostering the next generation of freestyle skiing champions. The question now becomes: can Melville-Ives maintain this momentum and continue to challenge the established order of the ski superpipe scene?