Charlie Beatty Secures Gold in Men’s Freestyle Ski Big Air at Gangwon 2024
Calgary, AB — In a dazzling display of skill and determination, Charlie Beatty, one of Team Canada’s Opening Ceremony Flag Bearers, clinched Freestyle Canada’s first gold medal at the Gangwon 2024 Youth Olympic Games. The victory came in the men’s freestyle ski big air final, where Beatty delivered a stellar performance that left spectators in awe.
After a somewhat disappointing outing in the freestyle ski slopestyle final a few days earlier, finishing in tenth place, the reigning ski slopestyle junior world champion was on a mission to redeem himself. And redeem himself he did, with three exceptional runs that earned him a total score of 177.75, securing the Youth Olympic Games men’s freestyle ski big air title.
Expressing relief and satisfaction after the win, Beatty shared his thoughts on the challenging journey to gold. “I’m very relieved. Not putting it down in slopestyle was a little frustrating for me, so I had to come out here and really buckle down. To have this medal around my neck is a big relief for me.”
Beatty highlighted his favorite run, stating, “My second run was my favourite one, the switch double cork 1440 tail grab. I went pretty big and was able to stomp the landing pretty good and held the grab, so I think that gave me a pretty good score to end up winning the gold medal.”
The victory was especially sweet for Beatty, considering the setback in the slopestyle event. His coach, Geoff Lovelace, who has been with Charlie since their days at Agenda Freeski before both moved to Freestyle Canada’s Nextgen National team, expressed his joy for Beatty’s success.
“I am thrilled for Charlie and this win. I know how hard he has worked for it. We would have liked to convert the qualifying slopestyle win to gold as well, but we will still be leaving Gangwon with a YOG gold medal,” said Lovelace.
Beatty’s triumph adds a golden chapter to Freestyle Canada’s Youth Olympic Games campaign, setting the tone for more exciting moments to come. The resilience and skill displayed by the young freestyle skier serve as an inspiration for aspiring athletes across the nation.
