At the Winter Olympics in Beijing almost four years ago, three Canadian athletes secured bronze medals in the mixed team aerials event, marking a significant achievement. Lewis Irving, Marion Thénault, and Miha Fontaine made history by becoming the first Canadians to stand on an Olympic podium in this discipline since 2002. Looking ahead to the upcoming season, the trio is gearing up for the challenge at the Livigno Aerials & Moguls Park in Italy, where they will showcase their skills in front of a crowd of 3,000 spectators.
Prior to the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, the athletes are currently training at the Genting Snow Park in China, where they previously clinched the bronze medals during the Beijing Olympics. Reflecting on their experiences in China and setting their sights on the future, the trio is determined to excel in the upcoming Winter Games.
Fontaine, one of the medalists, emphasized the importance of enjoying the sport to deliver top performances. He highlighted his dedication to constant improvement by incorporating more complex maneuvers into his routines, aiming to present a challenging five-twist move at the Winter Olympics. Fontaine’s approach to success revolves around maintaining a positive mindset and focusing on the joy of competing.
Thénault, having secured a silver medal in a recent competition in Ruka, Finland, is striving to achieve podium success at Milano Cortina 2026 while also prioritizing sustainability efforts. She has been actively engaged in initiatives to reduce her carbon footprint and promote environmental awareness within the sport, collaborating with experts and advocating for eco-friendly practices.
Meanwhile, Irving, the team’s seasoned member with extensive Olympic experience, is focused on leveraging his expertise to enhance his performance on the World Cup circuit and at the upcoming Olympics. Despite facing challenges such as injuries, Irving remains determined to surpass his previous achievements and aims to secure multiple medals at Milano Cortina 2026.
As the trio prepares for the Winter Olympics, they are familiarizing themselves with the Livigno Aerials & Moguls Park, having competed there during a previous event. Acknowledging the unique challenges posed by the mountain environment, the athletes are honing their skills to adapt to variable weather conditions, including wind and fog. By leveraging their past experiences and training diligently, Irving, Thénault, and Fontaine are poised to deliver a stellar performance at the Winter Olympics, showcasing their talent and determination on the global stage.