Kirsty Muir wins gold at X Games
A British freestyle skier has won gold in the freeski slopestyle at the X Games in Aspen, achieving a score of 93.66 in her first run that proved unmatchable by her competitors, reports BritPanorama.
Canada’s Naomi Urness secured silver with a score of 85, while Mathilde Grimaud of Switzerland completed the podium in third with a score of 80.00.
This victory marks the third title for Great Britain at the X Games, following wins by Mia Brookes in the women’s snowboard slopestyle and Zoe Atkin in the freeski superpipe.
The event faced a 24-hour delay due to adverse weather conditions in Colorado before it was confirmed to proceed. Muir also claimed silver in the big air competition with a score of 94.00, where first place went to Grimaud, and Canadian Megan Oldham secured bronze.
Reflecting on her achievement, Muir stated, “It’s an absolute dream come true.” She expressed eagerness to improve on her performance in subsequent runs, despite noting a few mistakes. “To come here and win is insane,” she said, highlighting her return to competition after overcoming knee and shoulder injuries that required surgery.
Muir first gained recognition at the Beijing Winter Olympics in 2022 as Team GB’s youngest competitor at 17 years old. With only weeks remaining until the 2026 Winter Games in Milan-Cortina, Team GB is aiming for a medal haul, set between four to eight medals, a target that would represent the nation’s best ever performance at a Winter Olympics.
As British athletes prepare for Italy, the stakes are high, with approximately 55 competitors expected to participate. The ambitious funding of over £32.5 million in Lottery investments for winter sports during this Olympic cycle aims to bolster the chances of success, particularly for athletes like Muir, along with freestyle skier Zoe Atkin and snowboarders Mia Brookes and curler Bruce Mouat, who are all seen as potential medal contenders.
Muir’s success at the X Games not only elevates her profile but also serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of winter sports, where triumph can hinge on precision and resilience, reinforcing the notion that in this arena, anything is possible.
