Xu Mengtao & Chen Shuo Dominate U.S. Freestyle Ultimate Airwave

The UOP was packed on a beautiful windy day in Utah, as aerials skiers from the United States, Canada, China, Australia and more had the opportunity to kickstart their 2024-25 season by landing in water instead of on snow.

The 2024 U.S. Freestyle Ultimate Airwave at the Utah Olympic Park water ramps complex concluded in spectacular fashion this past Saturday, August 24, with China’s Xu Mengtao and Chen Shuo taking top honors in a thrilling display of aerial skiing. The event attracted the world’s best aerialists, offering them a unique opportunity to launch into the 2024-25 season in style—landing in water instead of snow.

The UOP was buzzing with energy on a beautiful, albeit windy, day in Utah. Aerial skiers from the United States, Canada, China, Australia, and beyond showcased their incredible skills, setting the tone for what promises to be an exhilarating season ahead.

In the women's event, 2022 Olympic Champion Xu Mengtao (CHN) proved why she remains a force to be reckoned with, claiming first place with a back Full-Full-Full, earning a final score of 124.06 points. Xu, who only participated in one World Cup event last season after her Olympic triumph, demonstrated remarkable form and competitive spirit as she looks ahead to the World Championships season and the next Winter Games in Italy in 2026.

The winner from the previous event in Mettmenstetten, Marion Thénault (CAN), put in another strong performance but had to settle for second place this time around. Thénault also executed a back Full-Full-Full in the super final, receiving a score of 121.92 points.

U.S. Freestyle Ski Team member Winter Vinecki rounded out the podium for the women, finishing in third place with a score of 121.49 points for her back Full-Full-Full. Vinecki’s performance was especially commendable, as she made a strong comeback after undergoing a knee procedure earlier this summer.

The men’s competition was equally electrifying, with the Chinese team sweeping the podium. Chen Shuo led the charge, capturing first place with a stunning Full triple Full-Full that earned him 140.40 points.

Close on his heels was the 2023/24 FIS Freestyle Aerials World Cup champion Qi Guangpu, who delivered a spectacular double Full-Full double Full, scoring 140.00 points to secure second place. Li Tianma completed the podium in third, with 137.00 points for his double Full-Full double Full in the big final.

The majority of the  U.S. Freestyle Ski Team aerials athletes were on the starting lineup for this event, including Olympic gold medalists Chris Lillis and Justin Schoenefeld. Lillis led the way for the U.S. men, finishing sixth. Ashton Salwan of Park City Ski & Snowboard was the next-best finish, landing in ninth, followed by Derek Krueger in 13th, Schoenefeld in 14th and Ian Schoenwald in 15th.

Vinecki shined for the U.S. women throughout the day, finishing in third place, a remarkable achievement coming back from a knee procedure earlier this summer. Right behind her was Kaila Kuhn, who finished fourth on the day. Tasia Tanner also made finals, finishing seventh, followed by Dani Loeb in eighth, Amelia Glogowski of Park City Ski & Snowboard in ninth and Kyra Dossa in 10th. Rounding out the finals qualifiers were Karenna Elliott in 11th and Catherine McEneany of PCSS in 12th.