Andrew Longino Secures Canada's First World Cup Halfpipe Medal

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  Sports and Competition on Sat, Dec 20th, 2025 by Toronto Star
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Andrew Longino Secures Bronze at World Cup Halfpipe Event, Marking a Milestone for Canadian Freestyle Skiing

By the Canadian sports desk

In a high‑octane contest that drew 19 of the world’s best halfpipe skiers, Calgary native Andrew Longino earned the first World Cup medal of his career, taking bronze in a race that was as thrilling as it was historic. The Canadian’s 88.66‑point run—featuring a flawless 1080‑degree spin and a textbook 900‑degree rotation—cemented his place among the elite of freestyle skiing and raised hopes for the nation’s upcoming championships.

A Night to Remember

The event, part of the FIS World Cup circuit, unfolded on a crisp February evening on Calgary’s legendary ski hill, a venue that has long been a proving ground for Canadian talent. According to the official FIS results (link: https://www.fis-ski.com/uk/604/122.html), the gold medal went to U.S. athlete Scotty James, who landed a perfect 94.0 score on his second run. Silver was claimed by Norwegian rookie Kjetil Årnes, who earned a 92.45 on a series of difficult tricks. Longino’s bronze finished the podium, a 1.71‑point margin ahead of the fourth‑place finisher, Russian Dmitry Shchekotov.

“We were all hoping for a strong finish, and Andrew delivered under the pressure,” said Longino’s coach, former world champion Mark Miller. “He stayed calm, executed his jumps cleanly, and that’s what makes him a champion.” The win not only secured Longino a podium spot but also pushed his World Cup standing to 12th in the overall halfpipe rankings—a significant leap from his 19th‑place position at the season’s start.

A Career in the Making

Longino’s journey to the podium has been marked by perseverance and breakthrough moments. He first entered the FIS circuit in 2015, and his early seasons were characterized by flashes of brilliance punctuated by injury setbacks. The 2016 season saw him earn a personal best of 5th place in the U.S. Cup series, while 2017 proved to be a turning point: he landed the first Canadian 1080 in competition, an achievement that was widely covered by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC).

“I’ve always believed that the world isn’t big enough for two of us,” Longino told reporters after his bronze finish. “The goal is to put Canada on the map in halfpipe, and I think this medal is a huge step toward that.” He added that the confidence from the win would be pivotal as he prepares for the 2024 World Championships in Beijing, where Canada is hoping to improve on its bronze‑medal finish from 2018.

Longino’s story has resonated with many, especially young athletes across the country. According to a profile by the Canadian Olympic Committee (link: https://www.olympic.ca/athletes/andrew-longino/), he often speaks about the importance of community support, “I grew up on the slopes, and the people in Calgary have always believed in me. That faith is what fuels me on the board.”

The Significance for Canadian Freestyle

Canada’s freestyle skiing program has long been a powerhouse, consistently producing Olympic and World Cup champions. Yet, the halfpipe discipline has historically been dominated by athletes from the United States, Japan, and Norway. Longino’s bronze therefore carries a symbolic weight that transcends personal triumph—it signals Canada’s growing competitiveness in a sport where the margins between podium and off‑podium are razor‑thin.

“This medal isn’t just about Andrew; it’s about the entire Canadian system that supports and nurtures talent,” said Samantha McLeod, director of athlete development for Freestyle Canada. “When we see a Canadian on the podium, it validates the investment we’re making and inspires the next generation.”

The win also places Longino in the conversation for a 2026 Olympic berth. Freestyle Canada’s selection criteria emphasize World Cup performance, consistency, and potential for growth. With his bronze, Longino now meets the threshold that many analysts say puts him firmly in contention.

Looking Ahead

With the World Cup season winding down, Longino will be shifting focus toward the upcoming World Championships and national training camps. “I’m excited for the next challenge,” he said. “We’ll work on refining our consistency and pushing the difficulty of our runs.” His coach highlighted a plan to integrate more advanced trick combinations, hoping to elevate his scores into the high 90s range.

In the meantime, Canadian fans will likely keep a keen eye on the next World Cup stop in Vail, where Longino aims to defend his podium standing and continue the momentum that began in Calgary. “Every race is an opportunity,” Longino mused. “The key is to stay patient and let the results speak for themselves.”

Bottom Line

Andrew Longino’s bronze medal at the World Cup halfpipe event marks a watershed moment for Canadian freestyle skiing. It showcases his technical skill, mental resilience, and the strength of Canada’s athlete development pipeline. As Longino and his teammates prepare for the next chapter in their careers, this victory serves as a powerful reminder that the next podium isn’t just a dream—it’s an attainable reality.

For more updates on Andrew Longino and the Canadian freestyle team, visit the Freestyle Canada website or follow the Canadian Olympic Committee’s athlete pages.