By james art 
Lac-Beauport, Que. – The free -style Canadian skier Lewis Irving reached his first podium on the World Cup for two years with a silver medal for men on Saturday at home.
The 29-year-old from Quebec City scored 102.50 points in Super Final in Ski Resort Le Relais.
The Chinese Qi Guangpi captured gold (124.00) and Christopher Lilis of the United States took bronze (85.40).
It was the first podium of Irving since winning bronze at the World Cup event in the Ruka, Finland, in December 2022.
Irving tried a difficult Quintuple-Twist jump and his gambling paid off, although he fell to landing and four other Super Final participants.
“She feels great. We took the risk, we went to all-in with a quantum twist in the Super Finale, “he said with a wide smile.” I tried it, and although I did not stick the landing, it indicates that this is the right solution.
“I didn’t come here to strive for a second or third, so that’s why I continued it.”
The result was particularly satisfying for Irving after two years, struck by many injuries.
“Last year it was quite difficult, especially back from injuries and everything else,” he said. ” I’m really glad to get a podium so much at the beginning of the season, it gives me energy for the rest of the year. “
Irving could provide his ticket to the Milan-Cortina Olympics in 2026 on Sunday if he finished on the podium again.
“While some say they don’t think about (Olympic qualification), I’m. I fully know that the ultimate goal is to get a hat trick at the Olympics, “said Irving, who won bronze in the event of the mixed team of the Beijing Olympics in 2022.
“One step down and I will go for the second tomorrow (Sunday).”
Alexander Dusin, also from the city of Quebec, finished fifth with 78.28 points.
Earlier, Marion Tena from Sherbrook, Que.
“It worsens even worse,” she said. “If at least I was deleted, I would be less disappointed. It’s disappointing.”
The 24-year-old was on the bed of a heavy virus earlier this week and was dealing with a knee injury under the World Cup qualification last week in Lake Placid, New York
The complexion had to reach the podium in both individual events this weekend to secure its Olympic qualification. It will have more opportunities to qualify later during the season.
This report of the Canadian press was first published on January 25, 2025.
Alexander Jeffrion-Masinis, Canadian press