Wescott avoids trouble, gets snowboardcross gold

Published Feb. 15, 2010 6:25 p.m. ET

foxsports

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.