Calgary, AB — Freestyle Canada’s halfpipe team put in strong performances this at the Secret Garden World Cup in China, navigating the challenging weather and competitive field. Several Canadian athletes posted notable results, building momentum for the season ahead.
Brendan Mackay and Cassie Sharpe led the Canadian team, both finishing in fourth place. “It stings to not get a medal, but I could not be prouder of how our team handled the challenges this competition put in our athletes’ way,” said Freestyle Canada halfpipe coach Trennon Paynter.
For Sharpe, the result marked a significant step forward. After returning to competition earlier this season in New Zealand, she performed clean runs in Secret Garden, demonstrating the return to her world class form after a two-year hiatus from competition where she focused on motherhood. “Cassie showed incredible determination, navigating the balance of being an athlete and a mother. To come back and be competing for medals is inspiring. I know this experience will only make her hungrier,” Paynter added.
The competition was marked by weather disruptions that forced significant adjustments to the format. The men’s event was held under a modified format, with the finals condensed into a two-run, 16-athlete structure. Mackay impressed with one of the highest airs of the day, but a low landing on his second hit kept him out of the top three. “Brendan had a medal-worthy run in him,” Paynter said. “If he had stuck that transition, I’m confident he would have been on the podium.”
In the women’s competition, athletes faced a compressed schedule, completing all qualification and final runs in the same day – a total of five performance runs for the finalists, with only a 10-minute break between runs. Amy Fraser delivered a fifth-place finish, with Dillan Glennie close behind in eighth. Rachael Karker placed 15th, and Emma Morozumi did not start.
On the men’s side, Evan Marineau and Dylan Marineau advanced to the finals, finishing ninth and 11th, respectively. Other Canadian results included Noah Bowman in 21st, Benjamin Lynch in 25th, Steven Kahnert in 29th, and Quincy Barr in 31st. Andrew Longino did not start.
“These moments of adversity prepare us for the rest of the season,” said Paynter. The program will culminate with the FIS World Ski Championships which will be held in Engadin, Switzerland in March.
The Freestyle Canada halfpipe team will compete next at the World Cup in Copper Mountain, USA on December 19 – 21.
