The 17-year-old posted a score of 82.69 to surge to the top of the standings with his first entry into the skate bowl at the Tokyo Olympics.

The run ended in dramatic fashion, Woolley taking out a poorly-positioned cameraman. Not even that could stop the Minnamurra teenager, as he remained on his feet.

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Woolley hit the deck in his second and third runs, but there was plenty of promise should he deliver another clean performance in the final.

Even with a fall, the teenager managed to record a 70.04 in his final ride.

Woolley eventually finished second in the heat after Brazil's Luiz Francisco registered a 84.31 with his second run.

The result was enough to put Woolley through to Thursday afternoon's final, where he will look to topple some of the world's best.

A Minnamurra teenager that has long dominated the Australian skating scene, the youngster has impressed on the global stage in the past two years.

He holds a mantra of staying relaxed in competition, however the pressure will be high with the medals on the line.

Australian teammate Keegan Palmer will compete in the fourth and final heat that will come later this morning. Joining the 18-year-old in the heat is gold-medal favourite Pedro Barros.

Among the big shocks in the early heats has been the performance of the American riders.

Heimana Reynolds will miss the final while Zion Wright is currently in eighth place and needs a miracle to progress to the medal round.

The nation has one skater to come, Cory Juneau in the fourth heat.

Only the top eight athletes qualify for the final, which will take place at 1.30 AEST.