Thénault disappointed after 7th in aerials
Canadian freestyle skier Marion Thénault finished seventh in women's aerials at the Milan Cortina Olympics, matching her previous performance at Beijing 2022.
Marion Thénault, a 25-year-old freestyle skier from Sherbrooke, Quebec, competed in the women's aerials event at the Milan Cortina Olympics but finished in seventh place, mirroring her performance from the Beijing 2022 Olympics. This outcome was particularly disappointing for Thénault, who had aimed for a medal. During the qualifying round, she impressed the judges with her back full-full-full jump, earning her the top score and a spot in the finals. However, despite her strong start, she narrowly missed advancing to the super final after being overtaken by American skier Kaila Kuhn in the final moments of the competition.
Thénault's performance highlighted her competitive spirit and dedication, as she maintained her focus throughout the event and executed her final jump with precision. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to secure a place in the super final, leaving Thénault visibly upset and reflecting on the challenges of the competition. "For sure I’m disappointed," she admitted, expressing her frustration at finishing just short of her goal. The slight difference in scores ultimately denied her the opportunity to contend for a medal, amplifying the emotional weight of her performance.
This event added another chapter to Thénault's career, showcasing her talent yet again on an international stage. As she navigates the disappointment of falling short of her medal aspirations, this experience may drive her to train harder for future events, particularly as she looks ahead to the next Olympic cycle. The aerials discipline remains highly competitive, and Thénault's consistent performances position her as an athlete to watch in upcoming competitions, where she may well find the success she seeks.