For quite a while, skier Olivia Asselin was on the virtual podium at the Mammoth Mountain Slopestyle World Cup (acrobatic descent), except she finished the competition in fourth place on Sunday. Still, the 17-year-old skier has unofficially obtained her ticket to the Olympics.
First of the qualifications presented Thursday, the Quebecoise (89.00) was third after the initial descent.
“I was stressed and wanted to do well to be on the podium. My first descent was over safe and I didn’t take my biggest jump at the end to make sure I qualified for the Olympics. I’m glad I did this because it makes sure I qualify. ”
The nomination of the 17-year-old skier to the Olympic team, however, must be approved by the Canadian Olympic Committee in order for it to be official.
In the second and final lap, Asselin was relegated to fourth place when American Maggie Voisin knocked her off the virtual podium with her score of 90.00.
The Lac-Beauport skier still had a chance to leave California with a medal, except that her final stint on the course only gave her 26.75 points, which was insufficient for a medal.
The competition was won by Estonian Kelly Sidaru (93.75) ahead of Chinese Ailing Gu (91.00).
“It motivates me a lot and I see that I am able to make a podium and perform well on the circuit. I can’t wait to see what the Games will give. ”
By dint of being classified in the top-10 of various international competitions, she believed in her capacities over the months.
“It gave me confidence and it was this year that I realized that it was possible (to go to the Games). I couldn’t be happier! ”
Another good news for the athlete: she has received her invitation to the X Games which will take place in Colorado in two weeks. She will be the first substitute if a skier cannot take part in the competition.
“It’s one more experience to what is considered to be the biggest competition in our sport. So I am really happy! […] I feel like it’s my year and it’s time for me to show the world what I’m capable of. ”
In the men’s competition, Édouard Therriault of Lorraine took seventh place thanks to his second run which earned him 87.75 points.
Americans Alexander Hall (95.50) and Nicholas Goepper (94.75) scored twice ahead of Ontarian Evan McEachran (93.00).