Cardrona, NZ, September 7, 2018 - The Canadian slopestyle team got off to a convincing start to the season by winning three medals at its first World Cup of the season. In fact, all Canadian athletes qualified for the final of the Big Air event that was being held today in Cardrona, New Zealand.
Of the five female skiers who competed in the Big Air event, young Elena Gaskell was the most outstanding with a cumulative score of 170.40, propelling her to the top of the ranking to win her first World Cup gold medal. This win adds to the fourth place she earned last week at the FIS World Junior Championships also held in New Zealand. A dream start to the season for the Vernon, B.C. resident who landed a switch dub 12 to take the win, the biggest trick by a female competitor to date.
On the men's side, all hopes were high as Evan McEachran and Noah Morrison both won their respective qualifying rounds before the final. McEachran delivered another solid performance with an overall score of 180.40, which earned him second place on the podium. He was joined by Andri Raggetli (182.00) and Finn Bilous (180.20).