Marion Thénault: Rising Star in Freestyle Skiing

Sherbrooke, Quebec native Marion Thénault is making waves in the world of freestyle skiing, specifically in the aerials discipline. The 25-year-ancient athlete has quickly risen through the ranks, earning accolades and Olympic recognition. Here’s a look at her career and what to watch for as she competes.

Early Career and Breakthrough

Thénault began her athletic journey as a gymnast, spending 14 years honing her acrobatic skills and air awareness. In 2017, she was recruited by Freestyle Canada through the RBC Training Ground program to try aerial skiing. She transitioned her skills to snow, spending her first season in intensive one-on-one coaching before competing in the Nor-Am Cup circuit in 2018-19. She quickly found success, earning her first podium finish in February 2019 and winning the national title that same year.

World Cup Success

Thénault continued to excel, dominating the Nor-Am Cup circuit in 2019-20 with four victories and claiming the overall title. She made her FIS World Cup debut in Deer Valley in February 2020 and became a fulltime member of the World Cup team for the 2020-21 season. Her breakthrough came in January 2021 with a third-place finish in Moscow, Russia. She continued to add to her medal count with World Cup podiums in Almaty, Kazakhstan (1st in 2021), Le Relais, Canada (2nd in 2022, 1st in 2023), Deer Valley, United States (2nd in 2023), Ruka, Finland (2nd in 2023, 1st in 2024), Lac-Beauport, Canada (3rd in 2024), and Almaty, Kazakhstan (1st in 2024). She has achieved ten World Cup podiums and four individual wins as of March 10, 2024.

Olympic Debut and Medal

Marion Thénault represented Canada at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. She finished seventh in the women’s individual aerials event, narrowly missing the second final round. Although, she achieved significant success as part of the mixed team aerials event, winning a bronze medal alongside Miha Fontaine and Lewis Irving. This was Canada’s first Olympic medal in aerials in 20 years. CBC Sports reported on the historic win.

World Championship Results

Thénault has also competed in the World Championships, achieving a sixth-place finish in the women’s aerials at the 2021 World Championships in Almaty. At the 2023 World Championships in Bakuriani, she placed fourth in the women’s aerials and fifth in the team event. She finished fifth in both the individual and team aerials at the 2025 Engadin World Championships.

Looking Ahead

With continued success on the World Cup circuit and an Olympic medal under her belt, Marion Thénault is poised to be a leading contender in freestyle skiing for years to approach. Her dedication and skill craft her a compelling athlete to watch as she prepares for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina. Olympic.ca provides further information on her profile and achievements.