Date: January 20, 2024
Calgary, Alberta – The FIS Freestyle Moguls World Cup roared back to life with a spectacular display of skill and resilience as athletes faced off under the lights at Canada’s Val St. Come resort on January 19-20. Despite the bone-chilling temperatures, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation as a top-notch course and a fierce lineup of competitors set the stage for the first event of 2024.
The meticulously prepared yet formidable course proved to be a true test of the athletes’ mettle throughout the day. As the moguls specialists tackled the challenging track, the audience, both on-site and glued to screens, witnessed some breathtaking crashes that, fortunately, were injury-free, turning Friday’s competition into an extraordinary spectacle.
In the men’s competition, the evening took an unexpected turn in the first round of finals with the surprising crash of Mikael Kingsbury. The absence of the reigning champion in the super final opened the door for new contenders. Elliot Vaillancourt, who recently clinched his first World Cup top-3 finish in France, seized the opportunity and delivered a superb super final run, earning a remarkable 82.37 points. Vaillancourt’s stellar performance secured him second place and marked his second World Cup top-3.
On the men’s side, Louis-David CHALIFOUX and Gabriel DUFRESNE also showcased their prowess by making it to the finals, finishing 7th and 12th, respectively. Meanwhile, on the women’s side, Berkley Brown, Laurianne DESMARAIS-GILBERT, and Maia SCHWINGHAMMER displayed their skill and determination by making it to the finals, securing 8th, 12th, and 15th places, respectively.
The Val St. Come event set the stage for an exciting 2024, with unexpected twists and rising stars making their mark on the FIS Freestyle Moguls World Cup. As the tour moves forward, fans can expect more thrilling competitions and unforgettable moments from the world’s best moguls skiers.
