Calgary, AB – Despite challenging weather conditions, including gusty winds and snowfall, Canadian athletes from the Freestyle Canada NextGen and Quebec Aerial Team delivered impressive performances at the Utah Olympic Park competition. The event tested the resilience and adaptability of the competitors, particularly those attempting triple somersaults.
Elliot Beauregard In qualification, executed a double somersault with four twists, but opted for a slightly safer approach in the final, landing a double with three twists. This strategic decision paid off, securing him the gold medal.
Gabriel Dion took a bold approach, performing a triple with three twists. However, the unpredictable wind conditions slowed him down, causing him to break form and ultimately finish in third place, earning a well-deserved bronze medal.
In the women’s competition, Quebec team’s, Sarah Faith, made a strong debut. She executed a high-flying double back somersault in the final, securing a bronze medal finish. Fellow Quebec athletes Greta Robinson and Sarina Shrestha followed closely, finishing in fourth and fifth place, respectively.
Freestyle Canada NextGen athletes Charlie Fontaine and Victoria Cote placed seventh and eighth, while Quebec competitors Magalie Vallee, Alycia Hudon, and Isa-Frederique Laurin rounded out the women’s field in ninth, tenth, and eleventh place.
Australian athletes Elise Coleiro and Sidney Stephens took two of three spots on the women’s podium, taking gold and silver, respectively.
The men’s event saw USA athletes splitting the Canadian medalists, with one American taking silver between Beauregard and Dion. Freestyle Canada NextGen athlete Anthony Noel narrowly missed the podium, finishing fourth, while Quebec’s Louis Aumond followed in fifth place.
Freestyle Canada World Cup athlete Victor Primeau placed ahead of his younger brother, Quebec’s Elliot Primeau, as they finished seventh and eighth, respectively. Julien Dubois and Christopher Daigle, both from Quebec, completed the men’s standings in twelfth and thirteenth place.
The Freestyle Canada NextGen team now turns its focus to the upcoming NorAm competition on home soil at the Lac-Beauport World Cup jumps in Quebec on February 22nd-23rd
