Ben Lynch makes history by clinching Winter Olympics final spot

The final takes place later today in Livigno. 

Team Ireland freestyle half-pipe skiier Ben Lynch. Pic: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

Ireland's Ben Lynch made history on Friday by becoming the first Irish skier to qualify for any final at the Winter Olympics. 

The Dubliner advanced in the men's halfpipe event after he earned an 11th-place overall spot. 

Twelve of the 25-strong field go into tonight's final.

"I'm feeling unbelievable, I'm so excited," the 23-year-old said. 

"[I'm] really grateful to be here and to make the final is the cherry on top.

"In my first run, I landed perfectly. I went for the right 12 in my second run which I hadn't done in training, so it was the first time for me today. To land that in my run was unbelievable.

"I skied better than I ever have today. I'm officially an Olympian and officially a finalist which is just mind-blowing."

Lynch was born in Rathmines but brought up in Vancouver. 

The final this evening, scheduled for 5.30pm, will be broadcast on the RTÉ Player.