Julien Viel’s Debut Performance Shines Bright

Julien Viel made a remarkable debut in Olympic freestyle skiing on February 10, 2023. Competing in Livigno, he secured a second-place finish in the qualification round. This achievement puts him on track to compete for a podium spot in the finals.

Julien Viel: Olympic Debut Performance Shines Bright

With a score of 79.56 points in the qualification round, Viel qualified directly for the finals. Notably, he placed just ahead of fellow Canadian skier Mikaël Kingsbury. The top ten competitors in the qualification round advance straight to the finals, marking a significant milestone in Viel’s career.

Skiing Under Pressure

As he traveled to the competition venue, Julien experienced a wave of nervousness. “I have a little routine before hitting the slopes; I look at the mountains and remind myself how lucky I am to be here. That helps me feel good,” he shared with Sportcom. Despite feeling anxious on the bus, his performance improved once he reached the slopes.

Room for Improvement

Reflecting on his performance, Viel noted that he did not feel perfectly at ease on his skis. “I landed a bit on my heels on both jumps,” he said, “but I managed to camouflage it well. I pushed my hands forward and kept them together, which the judges appreciated.” He expressed optimism about making improvements ahead of the finals scheduled for February 12 at 6:15 a.m. local time in Quebec.

Looking Ahead

Julien Viel’s Olympic journey is just beginning, and he remains focused on refining his skills. With a successful qualification under his belt, he aims to enhance his performance as he prepares for the final rounds. This promising debut showcases his potential in the competitive world of Olympic skiing.