France secures three medals as Brazil’s Bethonico earns historic first at Gangwon 2024 YOG

Jan 21, 2024·Snowboard Cross

Zion Bethonico. Photo: OIS/IOC/Jonathan Nackstrand

At the Gangwon 2024 Youth Olympic Games, the snowboard competition commenced with men's and women's cross events, seeing France as the standout nation on the first day. French athletes swept the board, securing a trio of medals: a gold in the men’s SBX and both silver and bronze in the women’s category.

In a historic moment, Brazil celebrated its first-ever medal at the Winter Youth Olympics, earned by 17-year-old Zion Bethonico in men's snowboard cross competition. Despite a crash in the first heat leaving him with sore ribs, Bethonico delivered a valiant performance to claim bronze, finishing behind France's Jonas Chollet and Canada's Anthony Shelly.

Photo: Jérémie Perreault/FIS

"As much as I'm young, it's been a long career. Since I was around seven years old, I've been on snow and I've finally gotten something. I can be proud of this." Bethonico expressed to Olympics.com. “I'll take this in life with me, but I plan to go a lot higher - to the Olympics next time." he added.

Men’s SBX podium Gangwon 2024 YOG. Photo: Jérémie Perreault/FIS

Bethonico aims to represent Brazil at the Milano Cortina 2026 Games, aspiring to win the nation's first Winter Olympic medal, adding to his YOG bronze.

The athletes will continue tomorrow with the Mixed Team Snowboard Cross event. Race starts at 11:00 LOC (03:00 CET)

Gangwon 2024 Youth Olympics: Snowboard cross - results

Women's Podium: