The stunning spectacle of the first-ever and utterly implausible trick was not diminished by the fact that he rotated past the ramp’s transition and cratered his landing, erasing any hope for a medal. But Friday night’s main attraction, the breathlessly promoted promise of a Minnesota 21-year-old spinning his snowmobile twice, delivered the thrills even without a medal.

“I committed to it and went a little long. I was pumped I was able to get that second one around,” LaVallee said. “Now we know the double backflip is possible and I think it won’t be long before someone sticks it.”

Alaska’s Dane Ferguson