This is reported by Kyiv24
Kateryna Kotsar has made history by winning a medal at a World Cup stage in big air for the first time in Ukraine’s history.
The Ukrainian athlete and representative of the State Border Guard Service, Kateryna Kotsar, became a medalist at the prestigious international freestyle competition. At the World Cup stage in Steamboat (USA), she secured second place, earning a silver medal and achieving a significant breakthrough for Ukrainian women’s freestyle skiing.
Historic Result and a New Level
Kateryna Kotsar, who has worked tirelessly for many years to achieve high results, managed to overcome a series of setbacks and reached the finals with the eighth-best score. In her final performance, she showcased maximum skill, willpower, and belief in herself, scoring 152.5 points. This allowed her to win the silver medal, which is the first for Ukraine in women’s big air at the World Cup.
This success not only confirmed her status as one of the leaders in international freestyle skiing but also opened the door for participation in the Olympic Games in Italy. It is worth noting that the gold medal in this competition was won by Naomi Ornès from Canada (156.25 points), while the bronze went to Rui Yang from China (148.50 points).
Professional Achievements of Kateryna Kotsar
“23-year-old Ukrainian freestyler Kateryna Kotsar specializes in big air and slopestyle disciplines. Kateryna holds the best results in Ukraine’s history in big air: fifth place (World Cup, Courchevel, 2023; World Championship, Bakuriani, 2023). She has four podium finishes at European Cup stages in big air (two golds). Her latest victory at a European Cup stage was in February 2023 in La Clusaz, France. Kotsar also has two victories at the Ukrainian Championship in big air and slopestyle (both in 2021).”
Big air is a type of freestyle skiing where athletes perform complex acrobatic tricks after jumping from a high ramp on skis or a snowboard. Kateryna Kotsar already has several victories at European Cup stages, as well as two gold medals at the Ukrainian Championship in big air and slopestyle, both won in 2021.
The silver medal at the World Cup stage is not only a personal achievement for Kateryna but also an unprecedented success for the entire Ukrainian freestyle community, opening new prospects for the development of this sport in Ukraine.