Mogul skier Jakara Anthony is firming for Australia’s first medal of the Beijing Winter Olympics after leading the way in her qualifying event.
Anthony came out on top with a score of 83.75 while finishing clear of defending Olympic champion Perrine Laffont of France, who was second in qualifying with 81.11.
American pair Jaelin Kauf (79.15) and Olivia Giaccio (78.11) were third and fourth.
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Anthony’s journey down the bumpy 250-metre slope was highlighted by a stunning 720-degree rotation, where she crossed her skis in the air.
She completed her run in 27.9 seconds.
“I’m really proud and happy with what I was able to achieve just then,” Anthony said.
“I’ve transferred really well from training to competition.
“But there’s definitely still bits I want to keep working on and improving, which is a really great position to be in, I think. You don’t want to be going into finals day maxed out.
“I’m really happy with where I’m at.”
Meanwhile, fellow Australian Britteny Cox, who is at her fourth Olympics, finished ninth in qualifying for a spot in the final.
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