FIS World Cup Halfpipe Season Kicks Off with Canadian Success
Calgary, AB – September 9, 2024
The 2024-25 FIS World Cup Halfpipe season got off to a dramatic start at Cardrona Alpine Resort, NZL, as three Canadians persevered in tough weather conditions to reach the podium. Brendan Mackay, Andrew Longino, and Rachel Karker showcased their skill and resilience, with Mackay winning the men’s event and Karker and Longino each securing bronze.
Qualifying and final rounds of the opening event were affected by strong winds, poor light conditions, and snowfall, all of which created a dynamic environment for the athletes. These inclement conditions forced the postponement of finals by a day.
Rachel Karker made her return to competition, winning bronze with a score of 87.00. The event also marked a personal milestone for Karker, who celebrated her 27th birthday on the day. “I’m so happy to be able to come back to competing and end up with a podium,” Karker said. “It really helps me feel confident going into these next two years. The past week was challenging, but I’m very happy with my performance and I’m excited to get this season going!”
Karker’s bronze marks her return to form after an extended break following the 2022-23 FIS Halfpipe season.
Brendan Mackay, who squeaked into the finals as the 10th-place qualifier, had a point to prove. “I had a difficult qualifying, and I didn’t feel like I deserved to be in the finals. I really wanted to come out and prove I have what it takes,” Mackay explained after the event, and his determination paid off.
Sitting in second place behind fellow Canadian Andrew Longino after his first run, Mackay pulled out all the stops on his second. A clean run featuring massive amplitude and technical tricks, including a switch left alley-oop double cork 900 and a switch left double cork 1080, earned him a winning score of 90.00 points.
“This is my first gold since 2022, and I’m really happy with how I rode today,” Mackay said. “The conditions were challenging, but I’m proud I could perform how I wanted. And with it being Rachael’s birthday and Andrew’s first podium, it was an extra special day.”
Andrew Longino, at just 22 years old, celebrated his first-ever World Cup podium, finishing third with a score of 87.75 on his second run. Despite the pressure of the competition, Longino delivered a standout performance, capping off an impressive showing for the Canadian squad.
“Really stoked to hit my first podium. This is where I started my World Cup career and it feels really good to come back here and have success!”
Freestyle Canada Halfpipe Coach Trennon Paynter expressed his pride in the team’s performance despite the tough conditions. “The past few weeks have required the team to be very resilient, as the weather and conditions forced plans to change almost daily. Very proud of how the team handled themselves through it all, and super stoked on the podium performances,” Paynter said. “The day was full of wins – Brendan taking the victory, Rachael back on the podium after a long hiatus, and Andrew with his first World Cup podium.”
One Canadian skier was skiing with a heavy heart. Dylan Marineau, known for wearing a Calgary Flames jersey, paid special tribute to Johnny Gaudreau at this World Cup, wearing his #13 Flames jersey. Dylan added “I dropped into my first World Cup 7 years ago wearing #13, although he wasn’t playing for the flames the last couple of years, he will always have a special place in my heart. You don’t have to be a hockey fan or cheer for a different team to feel his impact on the sporting world. To honor Johnny, that was the last contest I’ll wear his jersey.”
Other Canadians competing included Emma Morozumi, Quincy Barr, Ethan Fernandes, Amy Fraser (who finished 6th in the finals), Cassie Sharpe, Noah Bowman, Evan Marineau, and Dillan Glennie.
The next Halfpipe World Cup event will take place from December 5th to 7th in Secret Garden, China, where Team Canada will aim to build on its successful season opener.
