Kauf and Murphy Fifth in Korea

PYEONGCHANG, South Korea (Feb. 11, 2017) – The FIS Freestyle World Cup closed out its stop in PyeongChang with an intense moguls competition under the lights. Jaelin Kauf (Alta, WY) and Troy Murphy (Bethel, ME) skied strong to claim the top U.S. team spots with a pair of fifth place finishes.

With no particularly difficult jumps or bumps, the Bokwang Phoenix mogul course allowed all the skiers to really push it and lay down their best runs. It also meant that, if even the smallest of mistakes was made, the judges would take note. 

Fortunately for both Kauf and Murphy, their skiing allowed them rise above the field and land in the super finals, a significant accomplishment in itself considering the level of skiing. Coming off a third place finish in duals at last weekend’s World Cup at Deer Valley Resort, momentum was on Kauf’s side. She skied the fastest times of the night to post her best-ever single moguls finish.

“The course was sweet - it was so soft and fast,” said Kauf. “My top airs were big and I was able to carry my speed through the middle section. I’d like to keep trying to go bigger, go faster and make the super finals. I really enjoyed skiing here and I think this will be an awesome venue for the Olympics next year.”

Australia’s Britt Cox continued her podium streak, taking home her fifth win of the season. Canada’s Justine Dufour-Lapointe and Andi Naude rounded out the women’s podium in second and third. Other U.S. skiers making the finals included K.C. Oakley (Piedmont, CA), Keaton McCargo (Telluride, CO), Olivia Giaccio (Redding, CT) and Mikaela Matthews (Frisco, CO).

Murphy, who’s been improving his World Cup finishes week after week, had yet another solid performance against a tough men’s field. He now has three top-10 finishes this season, including two fifth places.

“With these types of courses, you have to make sure everything is looking really clean,” said Murphy. “Since it’s so easy, you can do your biggest tricks and ski fast and more naturally - it’s super fun. I switched up my air package and did a full on bottom, which for me is really consistent, big and fun to do. I thought my jumps were super solid and I’m just going to keep plugging along until I get that podium.”

It was no surprise to see Canada’s Mikael Kingsbury on top of the podium once again, claiming his fifth win of the season. Dmitriy Reiherd of Kazakhstan was second and Philippe Marquis, also of Canada, was third. Tom Rowley (Long Beach, NY) and Dylan Walczyk (Rochester, NY) joined Murphy in the finals, finishing seventh and 12th respectively.

NBC Sports Network will air the moguls competition from PyeongChang on Feb. 11 at 8 p.m. EST.  With the official Olympic test event in the books, the FIS Freestyle World Cup tour moves on to Tazawako, Japan for moguls and dual moguls competitions Feb. 18-19.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Jaelin Kauf and Troy Murphy were the top U.S. athletes at the moguls Olympic test event in PyeongChang, both finishing fifth.
• Kauf posted the two fastest times of the night in her final and super final runs.
• K.C. Oakley, Keaton McCargo, Olivia Giaccio and Mikaela Matthews also made finals for the U.S. women, finishing seventh, 11th, 13th and 16th.
• Tom Rowley and Dylan Walczyk made finals for the U.S. men, finishing seventh and 12th.
• NBC Sports Network will air the moguls competition on Feb. 11 at 8 p.m. EST.  

QUOTES

Jaelin Kauf
The course was sweet - it was so soft and fast. My top airs were big and I was able to carry my speed through the middle section. I’d like to keep trying to go bigger, go faster and make the super finals. I really enjoyed skiing here and I think this will be an awesome venue for the Olympics next year.

Troy Murphy
With these types of courses, you have to make sure everything is looking really clean. Since it’s so easy, you can do your biggest tricks and ski fast and more naturally - it’s super fun. I switched up my air package and did a full on bottom, which for me is really consistent, big and fun to do. I thought my jumps were super solid and I’m just going to keep plugging along until I get that podium.

K.C. Oakley
This course doesn’t have anything difficult in it, so it’s the people who can present everything they do well in the best way that will score well. There’s not going to be anyone making any huge mistakes, so it’s about presenting to the judges. The Olympic courses are always so striking with all the lights and the whole set up. Everything is well presented. South Korea has done a great job and I think it’ll be a great event next year.

RESULTS
Men’s Final Results
Women’s Final Results
Men’s World Cup Standings
Women’s World Cup Standings