PYEONGCHANG -- Snowboarder Ayumu Hirano said Thursday he will continue his quest for an elusive Olympic gold medal at the next Winter Games.
The 19-year-old Hirano was speaking at a press conference the day after he scored 95.25 points in his second run during the men's halfpipe at the Pyeongchang Olympics. That was the top score until U.S. superstar Shaun White notched a spectacular 97.75 in his third run as the final competitor.
It was the second time in as many Olympics that Hirano had to settle for the silver.
"There was a chance of winning the gold medal until the final seconds. In some sense, I accept the result, but at the same time, I still feel the pain in my heart," Hirano said at the Japan House.
"I want to redeem myself four years from now [at the next Olympics]."
Hirano praised White, who won his third Olympic gold, saying: "I suppose he was under more pressure than I was as the final competitor of the day … I was amazed by his mental strength."
However, the teenager showed his pride after being asked whether he feels the need to give showy post-event performances like White -- the American threw his hands in the air and tossed his helmet after his third run -- to impress judges and the audience more.
"I put my focus on taking people's breath away with my run. I don't think I'll change my style," Hirano said.
Hirano recalled his four years of effort after grabbing his first medal at the 2014 Sochi Games. "I set goals each day and kept on doing down-to-earth training. I improved my weaknesses and reviewed my everyday habits -- things I didn't want to do," he said.
"I feel the need to further improve myself."
Hirano touched on the possibility of competing at the 2020 Tokyo Summer Games on a different kind of board.
The snowboarder was asked whether he wants to compete in Tokyo in skateboarding, which has been added to the list of new sports for the Games. Choosing his words carefully, Hirano said: "I haven't made up my mind yet, so I want to start thinking about it seriously now."
Hirano said he wanted to consider it "if it is feasible," adding that he would have to undergo intensive training in a limited period of time if he aims for the Tokyo Games.
Watabe regroups after silver
Akito Watabe voiced new determination to win the gold medal in the upcoming Nordic combined large hill, a day after finishing second in the normal hill competition.
Watabe, 29, finished behind Eric Frenzel in Wednesday's normal hill. This was a repeat of the 2014 Sochi Olympics, where Watabe also had to settle for silver in a loss to the German skier.
"I have mixed feelings -- joy and relief about winning a medal. But I have disappointment at missing out on the gold medal, which is the goal I've been aiming for," Watabe said.
The large hill competition will take place Tuesday. "I feel I can do better both in the jumping and cross-country portions," Watabe said.
"I want to prepare well so that I can inch as close as possible to the gold medal."
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