Whistler, BC – A trying year due to injuries finished on a high note for slopestyle skiers Yuki Tsubota (Whistler, BC) and Kim Lamarre (Lac-Beauport, QC) after finishing first (80.5) and third (74.0), respectively, at the AFP World Tour Finals presented by the World Ski and Snowboard Festival in Whistler, BC.
Competing at Blackomb Ski Resort, the duo patiently waited for their opportunities to ski this morning after the event was rescheduled from its original Friday slot due to weather.
Tsubota, 22, earned her first win of the year and has now reached the podium in three consecutive events including a bronze medal at another AFP Platinum event in La Clusaz, France in March.
“I didn’t have the most technical run out there, but I performed a really clean run and nailed all my tricks,” said Tsubota. “It’s a really great way to end the season. It’s my third podium in a row. It was great being able to perform in front of people I know here. I had some of the kids that I coach in attendance. It made things even more special. I’m excited to go back home and hangout with my friends and family.”
The season ends on a high note for the hometown girl after battling injuries throughout the year and regaining her confidence from a scary fall at the Sochi Winter Olympic Games.
“Yuki does so many great things during her runs, including getting huge air, and it really gets the judges attention,” said Assistant Coach JF Cusson. “It’s encouraging to see her doing this and winning her first event of the year here after some trying times with injuries the last two seasons. Her confidence looks to be back and she was really sure of herself today against a strong field.”
For Lamarre, 26, the podium signifies her first one of the year after missing the majority of the season due to a shoulder injury. The top-three finish is her first since winning bronze in Sochi.
“I’m super happy with my results here even though I didn’t have too much training time in Whistler,” said Lamarre. “It’s my first podium since Sochi. I’m proud to be back here after some injuries this season that really limited the number of events I competed in. We competed against a strong field in weather conditions that weren’t the best. It’s a great note to finish on before entering the offseason.”
Great Britain’s Katie Summerhayes finished second with a score of 78.33.
The top Canadian man on the day was Whistler’s Teal Harle, 18, who finished fifth with a score of 83.08.
The men’s competition was won by American Bobby Brown (88.67). Teammate McRae Williams finished second with a score of 87.92 and third went to France’s Antoine Adelisse (86.25).
Full results for men and women can be accessed – eliminations and finals.