Kirsty Muir faced a challenging moment at the Winter Olympics, finishing fourth in the freestyle skiing Big Air final, echoing her recent fourth-place result in the slopestyle event just a week earlier. The Scottish athlete delivered an impressive second run, scoring 93.00 with a double cork 1620, but ultimately fell short of the podium, just under four points away, as the competition intensified with several skiers landing similar high-scoring techniques.
The gold medal was claimed by Canada’s Megan Oldham, who improved on her previous bronze in slopestyle, while China’s Eileen Gu added a second silver medal to her tally after also achieving the same in slopestyle. Home favorite Flora Tabanelli secured the bronze, hosting a thrilling competition despite challenging weather conditions that delayed the event by 75 minutes due to a blizzard in Livigno.
After her performance, Muir reflected on her experience, acknowledging the mix of emotions she’s going through. “I’m a bit up and down at the moment. I’m not really sure how to feel. I put it all out there, so I’m really proud of that,” she mentioned. Although she faced disappointment, she expressed gratitude and a sense of accomplishment for taking risks during her runs.
The final was noteworthy not just for the fierce competition, but also for the adjustments made due to the weather, as ground staff worked diligently to prepare the course amid falling snow. Even under these conditions, Muir’s determination shone through as she made significant improvements from her debut Games performance in Beijing, where she finished fifth in slopestyle and eighth in Big Air.
Muir’s journey at the Winter Olympics may not have yielded medals this time, but her talent and tenacity signal a bright future ahead in competitive skiing. Her resilience and ability to push her limits serve as an inspiration, reinforcing the notion that every setback can fuel an athlete’s drive for greater achievements in the future.