Fraser and Mackay each win Silver in front of home crowd at the 2024 Calgary Halfpipe Snow Rodeo
Calgary, AB – The 2023/24 Calgary Snow Rodeo Halfpipe Freeski World Cup kicked off on an exciting note at WinSport’s Canada Olympic Park under the lights on a chilly but calm, Thursday evening. The second last halfpipe competition of the season showcased spectacular performances from a number of Canadian athletes. Amy Fraser and Brendan Mackay led the team as the home crowd erupted in cheers when both athletes secured well-deserved silver medals.
Amy Fraser continued her strong season and career year in the halfpipe. In the best of three run format, Fraser delivered a solid performance on her third run scoring 89.25 and securing her third World Cup podium of the 2023/24 season. Thursday’s achievement solidified her grasp on the second spot in the women’s halfpipe rankings. Amy has the mathematical chance to win the coveted FIS Women’s Halfpipe Crystal globe, if she wins on Saturday but only if other skiers leave the door open. If Fraser is able to win the FIS Women’s Halfpipe Crystal globe it would be back to back wins for Canadians with Rachel Karker having won it in 2022-23.
Brendan Mackay returns to the podium for his first medal in 2023-24 after taking the first half of the 2023/24 season to focus on his studies. After leading the pack with a score of 94.25 in his first run of the finals, the 26-year-old secured a silver medal, showcasing his exceptional skills and determination. This achievement follows Mackay’s World Championships gold last season in Bakuriani, Georgia and his 5th world cup medal obtained on his home WinSport venue.
Calgarian Andrew Longino rounded the Canadians who proceeded to the finals. Longino gave an impressive showing in the finals landing three strong runs and finishing in 6th place with a high, counting score of 85.25.
“Freestyle Canada is appreciative of WinSport’s efforts to build this world-class halfpipe in spite of the warm start to our winter,” explained Todd Allison, Freestyle Canada’s high performance director. The warm start to the year delayed the ski hill’s ability to make snow and build the Freeski features. Once the cold weather hit, it was all hands on deck for WinSport staff members as they built the pipe in time for the Snow Rodeo. Allison continued, “Our Canadian athletes truly benefit from having access to all the facilities at Canada Olympic Park, including the halfpipe, airbag and the facilities at the Canadian Sport Institute.”
The action in Calgary continues Friday morning with the second qualification session of the week. The women will take to the halfpipe once again at 9:50 MT, followed by men’s heat one at 11:30 and heat two at 13:35 and finally, the grand finale of the 2023/24 FIS Freeski Halfpipe World Cup season, Saturday under the lights beginning at 19:00 MT.
