A family from Charlevoix celebrated an exceptional day at the Snowboard Cross World Cup in Mont-Sainte-Anne. James Savard-Ferguson achieved an impressive 8th place finish, a significant leap from his previous ranking, while his sister Rose secured 16th place in her knockout round debut. Their father, Steven, officiated the event and expressed immense pride in their accomplishments, reflecting on their dedication and aspirations for the 2026 Olympics, inspired by their mother’s Olympic legacy.
A Dream Day at Mont-Sainte-Anne for the Savard-Ferguson Family
A family from Charlevoix enjoyed a spectacular day at the Snowboard Cross World Cup held at Mont-Sainte-Anne. James and Rose Savard-Ferguson showcased their incredible talent, achieving their best-ever results in this prestigious competition. Their father, Steven, witnessed their achievements up close as he served as a starting judge. The excitement began on Friday when James qualified for the knockout round, surpassing all expectations by making it to the small final. His impressive 8th place finish marked a significant improvement from his previous 22nd place in Austria just two weeks earlier.
“I can’t stop talking about it and I’m in tears,” shared the emotional snowboarder from Baie Saint-Paul. “This is completely unbelievable. Just making it into the Top 16 was a monumental achievement. A year ago, I was on crutches, unsure if I could compete with the best upon my return.” In the quarter-finals, luck was on Savard-Ferguson’s side when two competitors collided, allowing him to skillfully maneuver past them from 4th place to secure the second position, which he held until the finish line. “The last two runs were tougher, but I’m happy with my performance. Securing a second Top 24 finish brings me closer to my goal of competing in the Milan-Cortina Olympics,” he added.
Rose’s Stellar Performance and Family Pride
Rose also had an outstanding day, qualifying for the knockout round for the first time and finishing in 16th place. “It feels incredible,” she exclaimed. “I didn’t see this coming. I was nervous during my first training run and fell, but my coach Nico (Nicolas Desmarais) really helped me regain my confidence for the next run.” Transitioning from figure skating to snowboarding cross just three years ago, Rose experienced a highlight in her young career. “This is among the top three moments of my life,” she reflected. “Alongside my podium finish in the Nor-Am circuit last year and my victory at the provincial figure skating championship in 2019, this day is unforgettable.” James was equally excited about his sister’s success. “On the chairlift back up, I was shouting when I heard Rose had made it to the Top 16!”
Steven, proud of his children’s accomplishments, planned to rewatch their races later that evening, hoping to catch every detail. “I missed most of their runs since I was focused on my duties. I could only see the times, but the screen was too far away,” he explained. “It’s an understatement to say I’m proud of them. Controlling my emotions has been challenging. James has dedicated the last eight months to training, adhering to a strict diet, and ensuring he gets adequate rest. His discipline has been exceptional, transforming from a teenager into a dedicated young man.” He continued, “As for Rose, she excelled in figure skating and bravely chose to pursue a new sport. Both of our children have drawn inspiration from their mother, Marie-Claude Savard-Gagnon, who qualified for the Nagano Olympics. Back in 1998, I was a student and couldn’t afford to attend. It would be truly amazing if both of our children qualified for the 2026 Olympics.”