Calgary, AB- Freestyle Canada’s NextGen Mogul team, delivered an impressive first day performance at the NorAm competition in Deer Valley, Utah. Canadian athletes secured three of the available six medals up for grabs on one of the most demanding courses in the world during the first of a two day competition.
In the men’s competition, Charles Beaulieu captured the silver medal, marking a strong start to his season. “It feels pretty good. It was definitely a battle this morning, considering I had a lot of difficulties with the course. I did four runs in training and didn’t complete a single one, but once the competition started, I was able to execute my best stuff,” Beaulieu shared. “By the end, I had a little bobble before the bottom air, which I think kept me from taking the top spot. But I’m happy to start the season this way and will keep pushing tomorrow.”
Joining Beaulieu on the podium was Xavier Drouin of Québec finishing in the bronze medal position on the menacing Champion Mogul course which has hosted multiple World Cups, World Championships and the 2002 Olympic Winter Games.
Just outside the medals, Bradley Koehler (QC) brother of freestyle Canadas NextGen athlete Ashley Koehler finished in fourth place, followed closely by teammate Cole Carey in fifth. Jean-Christophe Bougie placed seventh, while Louis Paradis (QC) (8th) and Jeremy Sauvageau (QC) (9th) also represented Canada in the finals.
The mens’s event was won by American Dylan Marcellini. Other notable Canadian performances included Charlie Roberts (BC), finishing in 17th. Quin Unger (BC) (24th), Garden Parsons (BC) (32nd), Brian Burnyeat (AB) (35th), Simone Phillippon Fugere (QC) (36th), and Emeric Lefebvre (QC) (37th) also competed in the men’s division.
On the women’s side, Ashley Koehler delivered a strong performance, securing the bronze medal. “It feels amazing, especially considering Deer Valley is a particularly difficult course. I feel like I was consistent today, which was my number one goal above the results. That said, I am still hungry for more and look forward to improving as the tour continues,” Ashley said on her performance.
Team mate Maya Mikelson narrowly missed the podium, finishing fourth, while fellow Canadian Sina Clegg placed sixth. Rowanne Godbout (QC) and Jada Boychuck (BC) also advanced to the finals, placing 14th and 15th, respectively.
The women’s event was led by Americans Kylie Kariotis and Anabel Ayad, who claimed gold and silver. Canadian Citrine Boychuck (BC), Jada’s sister, just missed qualifying for the finals, finishing 18th in a 16-person final. Other Canadian competitors included NextGen athlete Florence Laroche (21st), Flaive Lamontagne (QC) (26th), NextGen athlete Jessica Linton (31st), Talance Kalmakoff (BC) (32nd), Kate Leeds (AB) (34th), Lia Matsuda (ON) (35th), Mikayla Holub (AB) (36th), and Quinn Ridgeway (ON) (40th).
Freestyle Canada coach Phillippe Marquis was thrilled with the team’s performance despite the harsh conditions.
“It was a really tough course with frigid conditions—it was very cold today. I’m stoked that the team stayed focused all day, kept going from top to bottom, and didn’t let the conditions or fear take over. Overall, it’s a great first step for the NorAm tour, with five of our athletes making the top six,” Marquis said.
With a strong opening performance at Deer Valley, the Freestyle Canada NextGen Mogul team has set the stage not only for day two but more importantly for a promising season ahead.
