Canadian freestyle skier Brendan Mackay wins World Cup halfpipe gold
Global News
Canadian freestyle skier Brendan Mackay's first World Cup victory was a memorable one Thursday night as the 24-year-old did it on home turf.
Canadian freestyle skier Brendan Mackay’s first World Cup victory was a memorable one Thursday night as the 24-year-old did it on home turf.
“Stoked to do it on my home halfpipe where I learned to ski,” Mackay said with a smile after scoring 97.00 on his third run in the FIS Freeski Halfpipe competition.
With the wind chill making it feel like minus-30 C at the WinSport venue, Mackay edged out Alex Ferriera. The American posted a 94.80 on his final run to inch ahead of Simon D’Artois of Whistler, B.C. (94.40).
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Calgary’s Noah Bowman was fourth with 90.20.
Canada’s Rachael Karker won bronze in the women’s competition. China’s Eileen Gu earned her second straight World Cup victory and American Hanna Faulhaber took silver.
Mackay said his teammates’ experience – D’Artois and Bowman are both 29 – have really helped with his development.
“I’ve been on the Canadian team for seven years and Noah and Simon have been on the team the entire time and been mentors for me and helped me a lot with learning tricks and navigating various things in life,” he said.