Photo: Chip Kalback
Shaun White in the midst of his back-to-back double
corks.

There was halfpipe before December 11, 2009 and there is halfpipe after.

Today's contest was monumental. It was the birth of a whole new era: the double corkscrew, more accurately, back-to-back double corksrews. It was as clear as the Colorado skies, dividing the competitors into three distinct categories - those without - guys like Steve Fisher and Jack Mitrani whose riding, while undoubtedly spectacular, lacked that something all-new.

The second group had clearly been learning the double flipping brother of the 1080, but lacked mastery.

Photo: Chip Kalback
Louie Vito showing his star power extends beyond the
dance floor.

Guys like Norway's Tore Holvik used the trick to elevate his second run score and secure a place in the finals.

Others fared far worse. In total, four riders were taken away in sleds - three before the second heat began. It was a heavy day and riders were feeling the new weight of unmastered progression.

Then there were Louie Vito and Shaun White. Photo: Chip Kalback
Louie Vito has risen to the next level - focused and
a true title contender.Bud Keene, US Team Coach summed it up the night before qualifiers when asked to pick his podium favorites, "Shaun and Louie have worked the hardest of anyone. I have to go with them, there is no third really."

Turns out he was totally right. Third was distant, despite the overarching efforts of amazing young gun Greg Bretz, not to mention the critical run thrown down by Michigan native Danny Davis. It's just that those runs lacked the dizzying spectacle of the 'new' back-to-back triple-doubles.

Photo: Chip Kalback
Shaun's quiet confidence is inherent. Can he
maintain with Vito on his heels?

Which, as the most accurate way to describe the trick, immediately conjures images of sequin clad figure skaters or aerial skiers, begging the question...is this triple-double business good for the sport, or is it just pea-cocking?

I can testify that it looks amazing--even gravity defying at first. When both Shaun and Louie thrown them down, floating ten feet above deck, flipping, spinning and grabbing, without a doubt, there is a lot going on there.

Is it hucking? I am not sure. Is it progression? Certainly. It is a trick (or combination) that every rider has their sites set on and only a couple can do with any consistency.

Like it or not the double cork is here to stay. The best riders in the world are doing it. The rest of the riders are trying to do it.

In one afternoon a new standard was set and for tonight, Shaun White and Louie Vito are on a level all their own.

By Mark Sullivan/MediaKneival.com

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