Freestyle

Bohonnon Leads Once Again in Belarus

by
Caitlin Furin
2017-02-25 06:38
 

MINSK, Belarus (Feb. 25, 2017) – The FIS Freestyle aerials World Cup was back in action Saturday with jumpers taking flight just outside of the Belarusian capital of Minsk. The U.S. Ski Team men’s aerials athletes were strongly represented in the final rounds, with Mac Bohonnon (Madison, CT), Alex Bowen (Springville, NY), Eric Loughran (Pelham, NH), Nik Seemann (Winter Park, CO) finishing fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh respectively.

Wind and variable snow conditions made it a tough training and competition week in Minsk, but the U.S. men’s team was able to put down some solid jumps throughout the day. It came down to Team USA versus Team China in the super final round. All three U.S. men struggled to land clean, costing them any podium spots.

“The conditions were difficult and we just didn’t have enough speed,” said Bohonnon. “After a tough day of training yesterday, we all felt a little flat going into today, so for Eric, Bowen and I to go through each round and make it to the super final was a success for us. I would much rather have been on the podium but, considering the conditions, I’m happy to come away with another close finish.”

It was a China podium sweep on the men’s side, with Wang Xindi in first, Qi Guangpu in second and Zhou Hang third.

The U.S. women were unable to advance any jumpers into the final rounds. Kiley McKinnon (Madison, CT) was the top U.S. finisher, landing just outside the finals cut off in 13th. Australia’s Lydia Lassila took her second win of the season, with teammate Danielle Scott in second and China’s Xu Mengtao in third.

The aerials World Cup season concludes next weekend with a final competition in Moscow, Russia on March 4.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Mac Bohonnon was the top U.S. finisher at the aerials World Cup in Minsk, landing fourth.
  • Teammates Alex Bowen and Eric Loughran joined him in the super final, finishing fifth and sixth.
  • Nik Seemann also broke into the top 10, finishing seventh.
  • Kiley McKinnon was the top U.S. women’s athlete, finishing 13th.
  • China’s Wang Xindi took the win for the men and Australia’s Lydia Lassila took the win for the women.
  • The World Cup season concludes on March 4 in Moscow, Russia.

 

QUOTES
Mac Bohonnon
The conditions were difficult and we just didn’t have enough speed. After a tough day of training yesterday, we all felt a little flat going into today, so for Eric, Bowen and I to go through each round and make it to the super final was a success for us. I would much rather have been on the podium, but considering the conditions, I’m happy to come away with another close finish.

Todd Ossian, Head Aerials Coach
Despite a rough week of training with variable weather, we were excited to have four of our men finish in the top seven today. We are focusing to prepare all of our athletes for podium performances at World Championships in two weeks. Our next stop is Moscow where our team has done well in the past, and we are looking forward to jumping on the scaffolding again next week.

RESULTS
Men’s aerials
Women’s aerials
Men’s World Cup standings
Women’s World Cup standings

 


 


Preview the new U.S. Ski & Snowboard website.


Preview