Lewis Irving will finally have the opportunity to perform in front of his family on the international stage during the two legs of the Freestyle Jumping World Cup taking place in the relay this weekend.
Irving thought he would make his home debut last year when the World Championships stopped in Quebec for the first time since 1995, but a knee injury sustained by Ruka on a training run prior to the World Championship ended his plans.
“It was very difficult to stand at the end of the track and watch my team-mates go down,” said the bronze medalist at the season opener in Finland in December. I was very disappointed but looking back it was the right decision as the Olympics were fast approaching and we won bronze in the mixed team event. »
Irving has big goals for this post-Olympic year.
“I used to have a sluggish start to the season. With my strong start this year, if I do well in the relay, I will be able to contend for the crystal ball. These two stages will play a big role for the rest of the season. »
Thénault in front of his relatives
As a member of the mixed team that won bronze with Irving and Miha Fontaine in Beijing, Marion Thénault also has big goals for the two Quebec stages and the rest of the season.
“It’s a very ambitious goal, but I want to fight for the world,” said the 2022 World Cup Relay Silver medalist. I have to show consistency and control myself. »
The athletes will have the opportunity to perform in front of their loved ones, which was not possible last year due to the pandemic.
“I have two blended families and there will be many of my relatives present,” she said. Because I want to make them proud, that increases the pressure, but I’m happy to jump in here. Besides my parents, my relatives will see me for the first time and they will see why I’m never there. »
The Sherbrooke native, who was a 2022 silver medalist ahead of her parents who were present at the site as volunteers, believes she can do even better than last year.
“I have already won a gold medal in the World Cup and it is possible to do it again. I will do my two most difficult jumps to prepare for the world championships when I normally only did one. It is important to raise the level. »
Fontaine wants to get back on his feet
Fontaine was the victim of a fall earlier in the season and is looking to get back on his feet.
“It can only get better. I know the mistakes I must not repeat. Last year in the relay, I did my first three-spin triple twist in competition. I did it for a week. This year the quality of my jumps is better. I’m more consistent and confident. »
The Chinese are still waiting for their visas
Several big names will be noted by their absence from the relay.
To the dominant Russians and Belarusians for several years, excluded from the World Cup circus because of the invasion of Ukraine, we must add the Chinese, who have not yet received a visa. Olympic champion Qi Guangpu took a year off, but the others wanted to be there.
“They could just as easily arrive on Friday and decide to compete at the weekend, but they haven’t received their visa yet,” explained Nicolas Fontaine. It’s easier now to leave their homes, but deadlines are tight. They wanted to come to Quebec and will compete in the Canadian Open next Saturday. »
These notorious absences open the door to others.
“As a person I support the FIS’s decision to exclude them, but as an athlete I’m disappointed because I want to compete against the best,” concluded Lewis Irving. On the other hand, anyone in the top 10 can win. When you win in the absence of the best, it takes away a little bit. »
Invitation to the Ukrainians
Irving thinks of the Ukrainians who will be in Quebec for the two stages of the World Cup.
“It’s amazing that they can be here while their families are at home,” he said. On the track, we all become close and develop friendships. The Americans helped the Ukrainians a lot by allowing them to train in Park City while also footing the bill. »
In the absence of similar funds, Canada invited the Ukrainian community in the Quebec region to attend the World Cup in the VIP zone.
Less effect in women
The absence of Russia and Belarus will be less felt in the women as the jumpers are not as dominant as the jumpers.
“As an athlete you want to face the best field, but the level will be super high with the Australians and the Americans who will be our main competitors,” emphasized Marion Thénault. For women, it makes less of a difference. »
Fontaine believes amateurs deserve a higher level.
“The show is going to be super good. The Americans are very strong and Ukraine are relying on very good young people like Canada. The Swiss took first and second place at the first World Cup in Ruka. »
In addition, Olympian Naomy Boudreau-Guertin retired at the end of last season.