X Games: Raven Tershy prevails in skateboard park final

Santa Cruz native Raven Tershy put up a late one-run score of 44 points to snag his first X Games gold medal Thursday night in the skateboard park competition. Tershy's 44 combined with his previous run of 38 gave him the winning total of 82 points.

Until Tershy posted the top run of the day, defending gold medalist Pedro Barros controlled the final with ease, opening with rounds of 40 and 41. Ben Hatchell finished third with 75 points.

Tershy gave the crowd quite a scare in the closing moments of the competition. Having sealed the win yet still having time for one last run, Tershy attempted a tough trick across one of the bigger gaps on the course. His fall drew gasps, mostly because his shoe came halfway off, and thus his leg initially appeared to be broken. He was able to walk away under his own power.

The final five riders -- defending bronze medalist Kevin Kowalski and Costa Mesa native Omar Hassan joined the top three -- enjoyed a 15-minute jam session in which each rider went around the course and tried to put up the best score possible in a 40-second run.

Scores were based on maneuvers, degree of difficulty, variety, continuity of run, originality and style, amplitude and use of the course. The top two scores per rider counted toward the final score.

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-- Douglas Farmer