LOOK | Olympic hero Sildaru was ceremoniously welcomed in Tallinn
Olympic medalist Henry Sildaru was celebrated in Tallinn following his debut performance at the Milan-Cortina Olympics, where he earned a silver medal in freestyle skiing.
Henry Sildaru, the 19-year-old freestyle skier and Olympic medalist, was ceremoniously welcomed back to Estonia on Sunday at the Rotermann Quarter's main square. Having made his long-awaited debut at the Milan Cortina Olympics, Sildaru showcased his exceptional talent despite facing initial setbacks in the park and Big Air events. However, he made a remarkable comeback in the qualifying round of the slopestyle competition, scoring 88.00 points to secure his place in the finals.
In the final round, Sildaru initially struggled to accumulate points but rebounded in his second run, performing impressive tricks that earned him a score of 92.75, leading into the decisive round as a frontrunner. Ultimately, Sildaru finished the event with a silver medal, securing his place as Estonia's Olympic hero, although the gold went to American Alex Ferreira. Sildaru's performance has been celebrated not only for its skill but also for its significance in representing Estonia on the global stage.
The ceremonial welcome took place at 5:00 PM, where Henry Sildaru, alongside his father and coach TΓ΅nis Sildaru, addressed the gathered audience. This event marked a significant moment for the young athlete, highlighting both his achievements and the pride of his homeland. The celebration of Sildaruβs achievements in Estonia reflects the growing prominence of winter sports in a country traditionally known for its summer athletic successes, as well as the hopes for future Olympic competitions.