Logan and Natalya will both ride for gold when their respective finals get under way from 9.10pm AEST, with Logan attempting to defend his title from Tokyo.

As temperatures soared beyond 35c in the shade, Logan produced a sizzling performance to be the third highest qualifier through to the final.

He posted an average score of 89.39 from his two runs at La Concorde behind Great Britain’s Kieran Reilly with 91.21 and American Marcus Christopher with 89.48.

“I’m definitely stoked, the main goal today was to pull two runs and make it through to tomorrow where it’s only one run counts, so I’m pretty happy with the way I rode,” Logan said.

“This day I probably have more nerves because it’s two runs and two count,” Logan said.

“You don’t really get that safety run, although tomorrow I have to step up my tricks.

“I do enjoy the heat and riding in the heat, I enjoy sweating and all that sort of stuff. It’s very warm but I can manage OK. Just trying to stay in the shade to be honest, drinking lots of water, and stay out of the sun.”

Earlier, Natalya qualified eighth for the nine-rider final.

She averaged 83.89 points for her two runs - the second of which guaranteed her a shot at a medal. American Hannah Roberts was the top qualifier with a score of 91.45.

“I’m very happy, very relieved, and stoked that I was able to pull together two rides and make it to the final,” Natalya said.

“After my first run I did make a few mistakes and I was surprised at the score coming in at 81, I was going over in my head what do I need to add to make sure I get into the final.

“But I just had to go out there, do what I know and clean it up.

“I’m more motivated than ever, I didn’t want Tokyo to be the end of me because of an injury, I want to end doing the best performance I can do whether that’s podium or not and walk away healthy.”

Reece Homfray