LIVIGNO, Italy (AP) — Olympic halfpipe champion Ayumu Hirano offered a small update regarding his recent injuries, suggesting he will attempt to defend his title next week in the Milan Cortina Games.
Hirano took a nasty fall at a snowboard contest in Switzerland last month, with his trainer saying on social media he had broken his nose and pelvis.
The 27-year-old, who added the gold medal from the last Olympics to two silvers he had won previously, did not elaborate on those injuries Wednesday, saying simply, "“I just have to trust what I’ve built up to this point so far and ride the way I’m capable of riding,” according to a statement released by the Ski Association of Japan.
The Olympics.com website says Hirano could become the first Japanese Winter Olympian to win a medal at four consecutive Games.
Hirano was long viewed as the biggest threat to Shaun White on the Olympic halfpipe, and barely lost to him in a dramatic back-and-forth contest in South Korea in 2018. He broke through four years ago by landing a triple cork — three head-over-heels flips — to edge Scotty James for the victory.
“I think it’s been a process of coming to terms with myself and recognising what I needed to work on,” Hirano said. “I’ve always felt like the challenger, so not a lot has changed about me as far as I’m concerned. I hope to be myself, just give it everything I’ve got.”
Official training for the halfpipe starts Sunday, with the men's qualifying set for next Wednesday.
AP Winter Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics
FILE - Japan's Ayumu Hirano competes in the men's halfpipe finals at the 2022 Winter Olympics, Feb. 11, 2022, in Zhangjiakou, China. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco, File)
FILE - Gold medal winner Ayumu Hirano, of Japan, waits for the the venue ceremony after the men's halfpipe final at the 2022 Winter Olympics, Feb. 11, 2022, in Zhangjiakou, China. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File)
PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr 3, 2026--
Vapexpo Paris 2026 has just wrapped up, and one device consistently drew crowds and sparked conversation throughout the show. From its eye-catching aesthetics to its thoughtfully engineered features, DRAG 6 proved to be one of the most talked-about launches of the event.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260402959933/en/
DRAG 6 Earns Widespread Acclaim both Online and Offline!
Throughout the show, the most frequently heard compliment about the DRAG 6 was a simple but telling one: “I love the design.” One attendee was overheard joking, “I use the wattage dial as a perfect fidget tool, cause it really is satisfying.” That tactile enjoyment is no accident—paired with a capacitive unlock button, the dial allows users to interact with the device without the risk of accidentally disrupting their carefully set output power. Beyond the controls, the textured leather finish and angled side cuts contribute to a grip that feels natural and secure during extended use.
DRAG 6 also arrives equipped with the all-new UFORCE-X Tank II, with the PnP X Platform. A single PnP X coil is capable of sustaining up to 100 mL of e-liquid. A Reddit user reported going through 120 mL before noticing only a slightly burnt taste. Additional refinements include a rotary air adjustment dial for precise airflow control, while the transparent e-liquid reservoir allows users to monitor juice levels at a glance.
DRAG 6 consistently drew attendees to VOOPOO’s booth at Vapexpo Paris 2026. It was also noteworthy that several e-liquid brands chose to display and test the DRAG 6 at their own stands. It successfully balances high-end performance with genuine user engagement.
For Those Ready to Make the Move, Now Is the Time!
As the buzz from the exhibition continues to build, the DRAG 6 Early Bird Event is drawing to a close—but users can still join in for a chance to be one of 166 recipients of a free device, with a guaranteed 50% off coupon. With the combination of design, durability, and playability, DRAG 6 is poised to become another standout product in the DRAG lineage—one that is well worth the anticipation.
Warning: This product may be used with e-liquid products containing nicotine, which is a highly addictive substance.
DRAG 6 steals the spotlight at Vapexpo Paris 2026: A masterclass in design, durability, and playability
