Canadian Snowboarder Jobin Excels to Reach Olympic Big Air Final
At the Milan Cortina Games, Canadian snowboarder Francis Jobin made a significant impact by qualifying for the Olympic Big Air final. Jobin, 27, hails from Lac-Beauport, Quebec, and his remarkable performance in the qualifying rounds has propelled him into the spotlight.
Jobin’s Impressive Olympic Debut
Jobin secured his place in the final by finishing sixth in the qualifying rounds with a combined score of 170.75. He executed two strong runs, showcasing his skills ahead of the final round scheduled for Saturday.
- Francis Jobin – 6th place, score: 170.75
- Eli Bouchard – 14th place, score: 161.25
- Cameron Spalding – 22nd place, score: 145.50
Younger Competitors
In the competitive field, 18-year-old Eli Bouchard from Lac-Beauport narrowly missed the cut for the final, finishing in 14th place. Cameron Spalding, at 20 years old, placed 22nd, both making their Olympic debuts as well. Bouchard previously earned medals in the Winter Youth Olympic Games.
Leading Qualifiers
Japan’s Hiroto Ogiwara, a gold medalist at the X Games, led the qualifiers with a score of 178.50, followed by Italy’s Ian Matteoli at 174.50 and Japan’s Kira Kimura at 173.25. Defending Olympic champion Su Yiming from China secured fourth place with a score of 172.75.
Challenges for Other Canadian Athletes
Mark McMorris, a respected figure in snowboarding, pulled out of the qualifying rounds to focus on the slopestyle event after a training crash. At 32, he has won bronze medals in slopestyle at the last three Olympic Games.
Jobin’s Performance and Remarks
Jobin expressed pride in his performance, noting his recent dedication to perfecting new tricks. His standout move was a Double Backside Rodeo 1260, which he attempted in competition for the first time. Jobin’s consistency in scoring — 84.75, 84.75, and 86.0 — reflects his intense preparations for the Olympics.
“I’m just excited to be here,” Jobin admitted. His commitment to showcasing new tricks sets him apart from other competitors.
Looking Ahead
As Jobin and fellow snowboarders look toward the final, excitement builds. Bouchard and Spalding share similar enthusiasm for their Olympic experience despite their qualifying results. With the finals approaching, the stage is set for an exhilarating competition at the Milan Cortina Games.
