Last night, the X Games opened with a bittersweet victory for freestyle snowmobiler, Colten Moore. Almost exactly a year ago, during the 2013 X Games, Colten’s older brother, Caleb, crashed during a black flip attempt that caused fatal injuries.

Caleb and Colten had been an unstoppable duo in the 2012 X Games, with Colten taking the gold and Caleb securing the bronze, respectively. Participating in one of the most adrenaline-driven sports, the Moore brothers thrived off each other’s daring and enthusiasm. So when Colten decided to return to the games this year, it was not without deep reflection about last year’s events. Eventually, he decided that continuing to compete in the sport they had both loved was the best way to honor his brother’s memory.

His 75-second routine was anything but easy. Colten kept the crowd on edge by attempting a number of tricks, including numerous jaw-dropping backflips. Though his final trick came after the time limit, and so did not count toward his score, he landed to thunderous applause and celebration. His final score of 91.33 made him the only athlete to break 90 in the two-run final, and placed him at the top of the podium.

When claiming his medal, Colten took pause to pay tribute to Caleb, later telling ESPN.com that he owed all his success to his deceased brother. “This is the greatest moment ever, to be able to come back and ride for my brother,” he said. “And not just for him, but with him, because I know he was out here with me all night. To be able to come out here and get gold is unbelievable.”

Colten’s friends and family were on hand to lend support and encouragement throughout the night. “It means everything,” Wade Moore, Colten’s father told reporters. “He just wanted to ride […] That’s all he and his brother did, and they’re still doing it together, I promise they are.”

Watch his amazing win on ESPN.com.

Image courtesy ESPN Twitter