Olympics viewers ready to go to war over snowboarder Ayumu Hirano’s low score

Viewers watching the Winter Olympics halfpipe snowboarding competition were irate over Japan’s Ayumu Hirano getting a low score for an unprecedented run.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re a snowboarding expert or a casual fan, when the Olympics are on, the halfpipe event is a must-watch.

So there were plenty of people tuning in on Thursday night when Shaun White took a run at another gold medal.

Except it wasn’t White who turned heads during the final. It was Ayumu Hirano with his triple cork that put people’s jaws on the floor. And it was the panel of judges who dropped them even lower.

Somehow, someway, the judges put Hirano in second place after this incredible run.

Todd Richards was doing commentary for NBC and he could not believe his eyes when the score came through.

“As far as I’m concerned the judges just grenaded all their credibility,” Richards ranted. “Try to tell me where you’re deducting from this run. It’s unbelievable that this is even happening. It’s a travesty that this is even happening. I’m irate right now.”

Olympics viewers were ready to go to war for Ayumu Hirano

Viewers on Twitter, both experts and newcomers, were just as confused and angered by the judges’ decision.

The good thing is Hirano gave the judges no choice but to give him a score more befitting his performance on his third and final run. His 96.00 secured him the gold medal and ensured justice was done.

White, who just missed out on a medal, was eager to congratulate the new gold medalist.

As they say, all’s well that ends well. Hirano didn’t leave his gold medal to chance. That doesn’t mean the judges at the Olympics shouldn’t take a hard look at how they dole out scores.