Julien Viel and Mikaël Kingsbury Advance Directly to Mogul Skiing Finals
In the thrilling landscape of Livigno, two Canadian skiers, Julien Viel and Mikaël Kingsbury, have secured their spots in the mogul skiing finals at the Olympic Games, showcasing remarkable performances amid challenging conditions.
Competition Overview
The qualifications took place on February 10, where Kingsbury finished third with a score of 79.11 and Viel came in second with 79.56 points. The weather conditions, particularly the low visibility caused by clouds, posed significant challenges for the competitors.
Mikaël Kingsbury’s Performance
- Kingsbury’s score: 79.11
- Finished third in qualifications
- Previously suffered a groin injury but reported full recovery
- Commented on the visibility: “It was a little more flat light than I expected.”
Despite the conditions, Kingsbury emphasized his focus on advancing, stating, “The important thing today was to move on.” He expressed a mix of satisfaction and annoyance with his performance, acknowledging the strong showing from his competitors, including Japan’s Ikuma Horishima, who led qualifications with a score of 85.42.
Julien Viel’s Olympic Debut
- Viel, age 24, achieved a score of 79.56
- His first Olympic participation
- Used a pre-race routine to manage stress
Viel, who secured second place, shared insights about his calming routine before the race. He expressed his excitement about being at the Olympics, stating, “I feel lucky to be here.” His performance demonstrated considerable skill, despite landing slightly on his heels during his jumps.
Other Competitors and Future Outlook
Another Canadian, Elliot Vaillancourt, finished 16th and will face a second qualifier round to secure a spot in the finals. At 26, he noted the nerves of competing in his first Olympics but felt accomplished with his performance. He stated, “The ice is broken,” reflecting on the challenges he faced.
Women’s Mogul Skiing Qualifications
Two Canadian female skiers also earned direct entry to the finals. Laurianne Desmarais-Gilbert topped her heat with a score of 74.13, finishing eighth overall. Maïa Schwinghammer followed closely with a sixth-place finish.
- Desmarais-Gilbert’s score: 74.13
- Schwinghammer’s score: 76.54
Desmarais-Gilbert expressed disbelief at her success and felt at ease throughout, while Schwinghammer acknowledged the pressure of being the last to compete but was relieved to secure her spot.
Looking Ahead
The repêchage and finals for the women’s mogul skiing will occur on Wednesday, followed by the men’s events on Thursday. The Canadian team remains hopeful as they continue their quest for Olympic medals in this thrilling sport at the top of their game.
