The Latvian entered the park as number three, scoring 84.60 points in the first run and 85.29 in the second. His average score was 84.94 points.
Zēbolds finished 9th in a competition of 12, qualifying for the finals on Wednesday, July 31.
Ernests Zēbolds' first run
Ernests Zēbolds' second run
A total of 12 athletes took part in the competition, each completing two rounds. The top nine will advance to the final, based on the sum of the points from both heats.
BMX freestyle has been on the Olympic program since the 2021 Tokyo Games, and Zēbolds is the first Latvian to compete in the sport at the Olympic Games.