Anthony and Horishima dominate in Ruka, kicking off the 2023/24 FIS Freestyle World Cup season
Dec 02, 2023·Freestyle
The 2023/24 FIS Freestyle World Cup season kicked off with excitement on Saturday near the Arctic Circle, where the first moguls World Cup event took place in Ruka, Finland. Australian athlete Jakara Anthony and Canada's Mikael Kingsbury emerged victorious, securing early-season leads with the yellow leaders' bibs in this 14th consecutive Freestyle Opening Ruka.
Anthony Secures Second Victory in Ruka
Last season's moguls crystal globe winner, Jakara Anthony, entered the new season as a top contender, especially with key rivals Perrine Laffont and Anri Kawamura absent. The 25-year-old Anthony delivered a standout performance on Ruka’s 'Battery Run' moguls course, overcoming any potential pressure.
Anthony clocked the fastest run time in the women's superfinal and executed a remarkable air package, including a corked 720 mute and a backflip mute, paired with the highest turn scores. This effort earned her an impressive 84.18 points, comfortably ahead of her closest competitors.
This victory marks Anthony’s ninth career win and her second at the prestigious Ruka season opener.
Close behind Anthony was Elizabeth Lemley, the 2022 Rookie of the Year, who secured her fourth World Cup podium with a strong superfinal time and finished second with 79.68 points.
Olivia Giaccio claimed third place with 76.35 points, marking her fourth World Cup podium finish.
More Ruka Magic for Horishima
Ikuma Horishima of Japan surpassed the top favorite Mikael Kingsbury to win in Ruka, following a third-place finish in 2021 and a runner-up position last year. Entering the superfinal in third, Horishima delivered a flawless run, featuring a double Full off the top air and a cork 1080 at the bottom, scoring a total of 82.68 points.
This victory, Horishima's second win and 15th career World Cup victory, was especially significant on the 'Battery Run', where he has frequently excelled.
Walter Wallberg, the 2022 Olympic Champion, showed impressive form, leading in the qualifications and the first finals round, and ultimately securing second place.
Meanwhile, Mikael Kingsbury, often referred to as the 'King of Moguls', finished third despite recording the fastest time in the superfinal. Small mistakes in his run resulted in a score under 80, placing him on the podium's third step.
The moguls World Cup tour now moves to Idre, Sweden, with events including moguls and dual moguls scheduled for the new World Cup course on December 8-9.
Quick links:
Ruka World Cup FIS data page (start lists, results, etc.)
Photos: MOGULS
