The hot-mic call that the men's big air final was "boring" suggests lower-scoring, conservative runs compared with the qualifiers — bettors may avoid over/total scoring props and favour head-to-head markets or backing consistent performers like Kimura/Kimata; expect tighter margins and reduced volatility in big air final markets short-term.
Todd Richards Hot-Mic Labels Olympic Big Air Final “Boring” as Medalists Take Podium
Todd Richards was caught on a live microphone describing the men's Olympic big air final as "so boring" after seemingly thinking the broadcast had cut away. The former pro snowboarder said the qualifier round had been more exciting than the medal round.
Final Results and Standouts
Kira Kimura claimed gold, Ryoma Kimata took silver, and defending champion Su Yiming settled for bronze. American 17-year-old Ollie Martin finished a close fourth, narrowly missing the podium.
Commentator Response and Background
Richards later addressed the incident in a video statement, saying his remark reflected his view of the qualifier versus the final and insisting his comments were not aimed at any rider. A former US Olympian (1998) and recognized figure in snowboarding, Richards has a long competitive resume and was recently inducted into the US Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame.
What This Means for Betting Markets
The perception that finals produced more conservative, lower-scoring runs may shift short-term market pricing. Punters might:
- Avoid over/total scoring props for final rounds and similar events.
- Favor head-to-head markets or bets on consistent performers (e.g., Kimura, Kimata).
- Consider backing near-misses like Ollie Martin in futures or improved-performance props. Market sentiment can change quickly after viral moments, but the underlying performance trends should guide wagers.
Looking Ahead
Competition continues across snowboarding disciplines, and athletes with consistent technical execution will draw market attention in subsequent events.
Highest-Paid Athlete at 2026 Winter Olympics is Eileen Gu
NBC commentator Todd Richards was caught on a hot mic while calling the men's snowboarding big air finals at the Winter Olympics, as his comments went out on live TV
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