Milan-Cortina Olympics: Viel Outscores Kingsbury for Second Place
During the Milan-Cortina Olympics, ski acrobatics drew significant attention as Julien Viel outperformed Mikaël Kingsbury, finishing second in the qualifications for the mogul event. The competition took place on a Tuesday, with the finals scheduled for Thursday. Ikuma Horishima from Japan secured the top spot overall.
Julien Viel’s Performance
Viel scored 79.56 points, narrowly beating Kingsbury, who scored 79.11 points. Horishima was the only competitor to exceed 80 points, achieving 85.42. Viel expressed his satisfaction with his run despite facing challenging visibility due to clouds.
- Julien Viel: 79.56 points
- Mikaël Kingsbury: 79.11 points
- Ikuma Horishima: 85.42 points (1st place)
Team Spirit Among Competitors
Despite being an individual sport, Viel emphasized teamwork. He stated that they planned to support each other in preparation for the finals. This collaboration aims to see all three Canadian athletes on the podium.
Kingsbury’s Outlook
Kingsbury, a decorated Olympian and previous champion, noted that while he didn’t perform at his best, there was room for improvement. He looked forward to competing in front of his 18-month-old son and aimed to enjoy the experience.
Other Competitors
Elliot Vaillancourt placed 16th but retains hope of advancing through a redemption round. He commented on his run, stating he has more to offer but felt satisfied with his performance.
- Elliot Vaillancourt: 16th place (redemption round)
- Walter Wallberg: Current Olympic champion, 6th place with 77.37 points
Women’s Event Update
The women’s mogul event featured four Canadian skiers. Maia Schwinghammer and Laurianne Desmarais-Gilbert secured direct qualification for the finals, finishing 6th and 8th, respectively. Meanwhile, Jessica Linton and Ashley Koehler will need to compete in a redemption round as they placed 15th and 13th.
Summary
The ongoing events at the Milan-Cortina Olympics showcase remarkable performances, particularly from Canadian athletes. With the finals approaching, there is excitement and anticipation for what lies ahead.
