Freestyle skier Henry Sildaru did not qualify for the Big Air finals at the Milan Cortina Olympics but performed well in his last jump during qualification.
Henry Sildaru, the Estonian freestyle skier, faced difficulties at the Milan Cortina Olympics, failing to qualify for the finals of the Big Air event. During the qualification rounds, he scored 17 and 42 points on his first two jumps, which left him with slim chances of advancing. Despite this, Sildaru managed to land his best jump in the third round, earning an impressive 80 points; however, this was not sufficient for a finals berth as the last qualifier, American Konnor Ralph, scored 86.75 and 85 points on his top two jumps.
Expressing his disappointment, Sildaru reflected on his performance, stating that the first two jumps were a bit unfortunate. He felt that the second jump was particularly challenging as he struggled with the spin, a technique essential in park riding. Sildaru’s statement indicates his need for improvement and confidence in his abilities, as he noted that he was hoping for better results from the competition and admitted feeling confused or challenged by the pressure.
With the Olympics being a significant platform for athletes, Sildaru's experience highlights the intense competition and emotional weight of performing on such a grand stage. As he prepares for future events, his determination to improve and push for better results will likely be a motivating factor for the young athlete, who continues to represent Estonia in the freestyle skiing community.
