Mark McMorris experienced a tumultuous end to his Olympics journey in Milan Cortina on Wednesday, competing in the snowboard slopestyle event as he sought to secure a medal for the fourth consecutive games. The 32-year-old athlete from Regina, who has previously earned bronze medals at the Sochi, Pyeongchang, and Beijing Games, finished eighth out of 12 competitors after a tough fall on his final run.
Reflecting on his performance, McMorris shared his feelings of exhaustion both mentally and physically but expressed pride in his accomplishments. “I’m feeling pretty beaten up… But I’m proud of my efforts. I’m really, really, really proud to make it to a fourth Olympics,” he stated, acknowledging the rigorous preparation that led him to this point. Despite the disappointment of not medaling, he maintained a positive outlook, saying, “For my career, 90 per cent of the events have always gone my way. This not being one of them is really tough to swallow … At the end of the day, I’m just super-thankful to be in one piece.”
In a nod to his longevity and experience in the sport, McMorris was the oldest competitor in the slopestyle heat and the only male athlete from the 2014 Sochi Games still competing. Notably, he was joined by this season’s World Cup leader, China’s Yiming Su, who clinched gold with an impressive score of 82.41. Su’s victory marked China’s first gold medal of the Games. Japan’s Taiga Hasegawa secured silver, while American Jake Canter took home the bronze.
After a serious crash in training prior to the big air competition, which left him with a concussion and other injuries, McMorris’ determination to compete speaks volumes about his resilience. Brendan Matthews, vice-president of Canada Snowboard, praised McMorris, stating, “The guy’s a warrior to be just competing today… I feel for him, but I think everybody’s incredibly proud of him.”
Throughout his career, McMorris has faced significant challenges and injuries, including serious accidents at multiple events. Yet, he has remained an icon in snowboarding, known for his innovative tricks and numerous accolades, including holding the record for the most Winter X Games medals.
Canadian snowboarders have historically performed well in the slopestyle category, having secured several medals across past Olympics, and McMorris remains a vital part of that legacy. Despite this setback, he affirmed his passion for the sport: “I’m having more fun than ever. I don’t plan to stop any time soon.” While the future of his Olympic aspirations remains uncertain, with McMorris indicating he has yet to decide on pursuing a fifth Olympics, his enduring spirit continues to inspire fans and fellow athletes alike.
The competition wrapped up with some challenges due to weather conditions, but the achievements and legacy of athletes like McMorris enrich the fabric of the Olympics, highlighting the dedication and competitive spirit in the world of winter sports.