Horishima completes stunning Moguls comeback in Beidahu
Feb 21, 2025·Freestyle
For a split second, it had looked like Ikuma Horishima (JPN) could miss the Moguls cut at the Beidahu Ski Resort.
Last year’s Crystal Globe winner endured a wobbly start in the qualifications, squeezing into the top 16 by a hair’s breadth of just 0.04.
But that was of little significance in the end. The Japanese was clutch when it mattered, as he romped to victory in Men’s Moguls, winning with his signature style of tricks that pushed the limits.
With a double full and 1440 combination, Horishima scored 86.57 points to stand top of the podium. He edged out Mikael Kingsbury (CAN), as the current World Cup leader finished second with 85.91.
Sweden’s Filip Gravenfors (SWE) earned a commendable podium place and was third with 83.79.
Reflecting on his comeback from the jaws of elimination, Horishima said: “I’m not sure today was the perfect day, but I did it. This course, it’s a very flat course, the landing is very hard. It’s hard to stomp the landing.
“I just tried to get into the top six, then I chased technique. If I get a result, it’s a bonus. This has been a special day.”
A win in Beidahu makes it three in a row for the 27-year-old, having also picked up two victories at Deer Valley.
He said of his consistency: “It was very difficult to keep continuing to ski very well. Three in a row, I feel I’m getting better.”
Kingsbury, meanwhile, was disappointed not to have added to what has been a hugely successful season so far.
He said: “I tried to push in the superfinal, and it was close. I don’t have the words right now, but I’m pleased with what I’ve done. It’s another podium, though I wished it was (first). I’m excited for Duals tomorrow. I’ve been doing well. I’m going to rest and come out very hungry tomorrow.”
For Gravenfors, one of the biggest takeaways was gaining momentum as athletes gear up for the 2025 FIS Freestyle Ski and Snowboarding World Championships next month.
He said: “It feels good to catch some momentum going into the World Championships. I just wanted to ski good, try to take the training runs into competition.”
Kauf leapfrogs Laffont to lead Cup standings
In the women’s contest, momentum is now firmly with Jaelin Kauf (USA).
The 28-year-old, a silver medallist at the Beijing 2022 Olympic Games, was head and shoulders above her competition as she scored 82.19 points to win the women’s event.
She said: “That was the game plan today, just to improve little by little on each run, and save the best for last. I feel like that’s what I did, it was a lot of fun skiing this course.”
This is the American’s fourth World Cup win in a row – she was a double champion in Deer Valley and also took the Dual Moguls event in Val St. Come.
Her stellar form has helped her leapfrog Perrine Laffont (FRA) to lead the Overall Moguls standings.
Said Kauf, who is also ahead in the Dual Moguls standings: “That’s super exciting. We still have a handful of competitions this year. Hopefully I can keep that spot and keep building on today’s results.
“There might be a second or two in there for Duals. I don’t know if I’ll need it, but we’ll see.”
Laffont took second place with a 79.23 effort, while Olivia Giaccio (USA) was third with 78.43 points.
Said Giaccio: “I’ve had a lot of ups and downs in China. But very excited to build my way up and improve on every run. I’m really excited to build into tomorrow. There’s going to be some very, very fast runs considering how tight the course is. Looking forward to seeing what I can bring.”
Competition continues on Saturday with the Dual Moguls. Preliminary rounds start at 11:30, before finals follow from 14:00.
QUICK LINKS
Beidahu World Cup FIS data page (start lists, results, etc)
Photos: Moguls
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