Three Canadians secured bronze medals in the inaugural mixed team aerials competition at the Winter Olympics in Beijing nearly four years ago. Lewis Irving, Marion Thénault, and Miha Fontaine, the first Canadians to achieve an Olympic podium in this event since 2002, are aiming for another medal next year. They are currently training at Genting Snow Park in China before heading to the Livigno Aerials & Moguls Park in Italy for the upcoming Winter Olympics.
Fontaine emphasized the importance of enjoying the sport to perform well, reflecting on his past Olympic experience and continuous improvement in his aerial jumps. Thénault, focusing on sustainability, aims to make her trip carbon neutral and advocates for environmentally friendly practices in the sport. Irving, with vast experience and two Olympic Games under his belt, is determined to excel in the upcoming season and potentially secure two medals at Milano Cortina 2026.
The trio previously competed at the Livigno Aerials & Moguls Park during the World Cup finals, gaining valuable insights into the terrain and conditions. They are prepared for the challenges posed by the outdoor setting of Livigno compared to Beijing’s controlled environment. The upcoming Winter Olympics promise a competitive and gender-balanced event, with Thénault looking forward to showcasing high-level performances alongside other talented athletes.