Wescott avoids trouble, gets snowboardcross gold

American Seth Wescott has defended his Olympic title, overtaking

Canada’s Mike Robertson to win the gold medal in the wild sport of

men’s snowboardcross.

Wescott, who struggled in qualifying, was seeded 17th of the 32

riders Monday but came out with his second gold medal, and

America’s second of the Winter Olympics.

He overcame a big deficit against Robertson, taking the lead

about two-thirds of the way down the course and hanging on at the

end.

France’s Tony Ramoin took bronze and America’s Nate Holland

finished fourth after spinning out early in the race.