Bellefontaine native and Olympic snowboarder Louie Vito is set to compete today in the men’s halfpipe qualification round, representing Team Italy on the sport’s biggest stage.
He will officially be making history as the oldest half-pipe snowboarder to ever compete at the Olympics.
Vito will be the 25th and final rider to drop in during qualifications. The field features 25 competitors, each taking two runs, with only the best single-run score counting toward advancement. To move on to Friday’s finals and remain in contention for Olympic gold, Vito must place inside the top 12.
Competition is scheduled to begin with first runs at approximately 1:30 p.m. EST, with second runs expected to start about an hour later.
In an interview leading up to competition day, Vito reflected on the preparation required to reach this moment, from competing for Italy in the host country to managing injuries throughout his career. Now a veteran on the international stage, Vito says he is motivated to prove he still has the skills necessary to compete at the highest level. He added that he is excited to perform in front of the crowd and plans to put on a show, saying that no matter the outcome, he will leave the halfpipe proud of the work and determination that brought him here, with no regrets.
Local fans will have the chance to follow every run together, as a free community watch party is scheduled for Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. at The Holland Theatre in Bellefontaine, giving supporters an opportunity to cheer on Bellefontaine’s own as he looks to make another memorable Olympic run.
