Birk Ruud remembers late father after emotional win: "It shows you that you can do whatever you want to do."

Birk Ruud wrote freeski history by winning the first Big Air Olympic gold at Beijing 2022, and his words afterwards were those of a true Olympic champion.

At 21 Ruud has the world at his feet, and he's trying to help make the place just a little happier.

"There’s a lot of bad things happening around the world and to put on a show like this for the people, that was the dream and I did it, so I’m really happy."

The Norwegian claimed gold with a spectacular performance that neither USA skier Colby Stevenson nor Sweden's bronze medallist Henrik Harlaut could top.

"I am really stoked, that’s for sure", said the newly minted Olympic champ.

"I took the opportunity... This is what we live for, to ski and to to enjoy and I’m really happy to take this opportunity."

Ruud topped qualifying on Monday (7 Feb), then threw it all down in the final when in counted two days later.

It was an emotional victory, he lost his father Oivind to cancer in April 2021, and after he won he pulled down his sleeve with a camera up close to reveal a gold bracelet which was a gift from his dad.

"Papa, you're with me," he said, touching his heart.

Before the Games Ruud spoke about his father's passing with Olympics.com:

"It's tough. But there's nothing you can do; you just have to accept it. I've had some time to be with family and we've talked about it. You get a big scar. It is what it is.

"I'm trying to make the best out of it."

And that's exactly what he did in Beijing.

He put down some amazing tricks in the final in his first two runs, coming in backward for a switch triple cork 1980 -- five and a half rotations - then flipping forward for a double cork bio 1800.

His last run was just for fun with gold already secured. Ruud treated the crowd to an