Canadian freestyle skier Brendan Mackay’s first World Cup victory was memorable Thursday night, as the 24-year-old did so on his own turf.
“I was glad to do it in the halfpipe at my house where I learned to ski,” Mackay said with a smile after scoring 97.00 in his third race in the FIS Freeski Halfpipe competition.
Brendan Mackay of Canada celebrates his gold medal on the podium at the World Cup men’s freestyle ski halfpipe event in Calgary, Alta., Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021.
THE CANADIAN PRESS / Evan Buhler
With the icy wind making it feel like minus -30 C at the WinSport venue, Mackay edged out Alex Ferriera. The American posted a 94.80 in his last race one centimeter ahead of Simon D’Artois of Whistler, BC (94.40).
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Calgary’s Noah Bowman was fourth at 90.20.
Canadian Rachael Karker won bronze in the women’s competition. China’s Eileen Gu scored her second consecutive World Cup victory and American Hanna Faulhaber took silver.
Mackay said the experience of his teammates – D’Artois and Bowman are 29 years old – really helped him develop.
“I’ve been on the Canadian team for seven years and Noah and Simon have been on the team the entire time and they have been mentors to me and they helped me a lot with learning tricks and various things in life,” he said.
Mackay finished third in the first World Cup of the season, and Ferriera took the gold.
Canadian Brendan Mackay competes during the Men’s World Cup freestyle ski halfpipe event in Calgary, Alta., Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021.
THE CANADIAN PRESS / Evan Buhler
D’Artois said Canada’s future is bright in the sport with Mackay flying to new heights.
“It’s unbelievable,” D’Artois said. “It’s just going to break it. He’s been doing amazing this year and that kid has a promising future. “
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Together, they push each other.
“I’m towards the end of my career and with Brendan on the rise, it’s exhilarating,” D’Artois said. “It’s hard to have to compete against someone who is so consistent and so good, and he nails everything.
“But I couldn’t be happier for him. He’s just doing all the right things. “
With just over a month before the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, it bodes well for Canada’s hopes of winning medals.
“I really hope we keep this momentum going,” Mackay said. “We are all very happy and we just try to have as much fun as possible in each competition and build momentum for the Olympics.”
Canadian Brendan Mackay competes during the Men’s World Cup freestyle ski halfpipe event in Calgary, Alta., Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021.
THE CANADIAN PRESS / Evan Buhler
Karker, from Guelph, Ontario, overcame in his last race to reach the podium with a score of 90.20.
“I knew I had to give it my all in my last race,” he said. “I am super motivated. This is just the beginning and I look forward to my next challenge. “
Karker finished second to Gu in the first World Cup at Colorado’s Copper Mountain earlier this month.
“Before the Olympics, I think being able to handle the pressure is the most important thing that I could improve on and I am very, very happy with my progress this season,” Gu said.
Gu had secured first place before his last race, but managed to improve his score to 96.80. Faulhaber was second with 92.80.
Amy Fraser was sixth and her compatriot Cassie Sharpe was seventh.
Another halfpipe freeski World Cup is scheduled for Saturday in the competition known as Snow Rodeo. Hay bales were placed near the finish line and white cowboy hats were presented to the medalists.
A slopestyle snowboarding World Cup is also scheduled for Saturday.
© 2021 The Canadian Press
Reference-globalnews.ca