ASPEN, CO (Jan. 29) - Even after taking in a somewhat gnarly pipe-to-face session, Shaun White (Carlsbad, CA) showed the world his tenacity, centering his focus and locking down his third Winter X Games superpipe gold in as many years, just days after wrapping up the Sprint U.S. Snowboarding Grand Prix crown.

The decks and base of Buttermilk's 22-footer were filled with fans looking to catch a view of what was essentially a mini Olympic preview as the men competed for Winter X Games gold Friday night.

Joining White on the podium was Switzerland’s Iouri Podladtchikov with the silver medal, and Japan’s Kazuhiro Kokubo, who took the bronze. U.S. Olympic Team athlete Greg Bretz (Mammoth Lakes, CA) followed White for the U.S. in fourth.

While White's double McTwist 12 gave his face a little trouble in training, it helped to lock him up a pair of golden goggles when he knocked out a backside air, frontside double cork 10, cab double cork 10, frontside 50, double McTwist 12 and an ally oop backside rodeo. To top it off, White was recorded at an X Games record of 23 feet out of the pipe.

"I was pumped to get it done, to land that trick and to come in first tonight," White said. "I'm paying my dues for that trick, but it's worth it."

Following the competition White was questioned on why, if it hurt him in the training run, would he risk going for it in finals. The answer was simple for him, "I'm a snowboarder and I don't want to give up."

To the 2006 gold medalist, it was all a mental issue and one he wasn't going to let affect him - as many were a witness to once finals got going.

"This was a perfect example of taking a crash, getting back up and not letting it affect you," White said.

With the X Games the last competition stop on each athlete's itinerary before heading to the Games, White couldn't help thinking about getting to Vancouver.

"I'm really excited to be going to the Olympics, especially with these guys. It's good company," White said. "It's exciting finally getting to go. I've been thinking and thinking about it and now I'm excited to let loose."

As for what everyone can expect to see in Vancouver, White says everyone, himself included, will be exhibiting the progress that men's halfpipe has made in the past year.

"I reached a new height this year, more than I ever imagined. Before this season there were no double corks in the halfpipe and tonight there were three in one run," White said. "The progression is making a gigantic leap."

The Winter X Games continue Saturday with Nate Holland (Squaw Valley, CA) attempting an incredible five-peat for gold in snowboardcross starting at 2 p.m. MT. Then, women take over the halfpipe at 7:30 p.m.

OFFICIAL RESULTS
Winter X Games 14
Aspen, CO - Jan. 29, 2010
Men's Halfpipe

1. Shaun White, Carlsbad, CA, 95.33
2. Iouri Podladtchikov, Switzerland, 93.66
3. Kazuhiro Kokubo, Japan, 91.00
4. Greg Bretz, Mammoth Lakes, CA, 89.66
5.  JJ Thomas, Breckenridge, CO, 82.33
6. Steve Fisher, Breckenridge, CO, 74.66
7. Luke Mitrani, Mammoth Lakes, CA, 57.00
8. Louie Vito, Sandy, UT, 46.66
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