Winter Olympics: USA win aerials gold as favourites China take bronze

Winter Olympics: USA win aerials gold as favourites China take bronze

The United States have won gold in the mixed team aerials at the Beijing Winter Olympics after heavy favourites China suffered a shock collapse to take bronze.

Chris Lillis produced a stunning final jump to help the American trio secure the top spot on the podium.

China had been widely expected to dominate the event after winning gold in both individual singles competitions earlier in the Games.

A shock landing for the hosts

However, a disastrous missed landing proved costly for the hosts, seeing their hopes of a clean sweep of the aerials titles vanish in an instant.

The Asian nation’s mistake allowed the US team to capitalise and claim a memorable victory on the snow.

Despite the home crowd’s anticipation of another gold, the error relegated the pre-tournament favourites to third place.

Lillis delivers under pressure

Lillis held his nerve when it mattered most to execute a high-difficulty trick that pushed his team’s score beyond reach.

His decisive contribution ensured the Stars and Stripes were raised above the frantic competition.

The result marks a significant upset in the skiing schedule given China’s recent dominance in the discipline.