CALGARY, Alberta – Fifteen-year-old Sky Remans of Belgium has claimed the gold medal in women’s Big Air at the FIS Park and Pipe Junior World Championships in Calgary, Canada. The victory comes on the heels of a fourth-place finish in Slopestyle earlier in the week, and just months after Remans made her debut at the Olympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina in February. The young snowboarder topped a field of ten competitors with a total score of 164.50.
Remans’ performance showcased consistency and technical skill. She opened with a cab 900 tail grab, earning a score of 80.50, and followed it up with a frontside 900 tail grab, which was awarded 84.00 points. These solid runs established her lead, which she maintained through the final round. The FIS Park and Pipe Junior World Championships are a key proving ground for up-and-coming snowboarders, offering a glimpse into the future of the sport.
Japan’s Imari Kato secured the silver medal with a score of 155.75, while American Jessica Perlmutter rounded out the podium in third place with 155.00 points. Perlmutter’s bronze medal adds to her earlier success at the championships, having also taken third in Slopestyle on Saturday. The U.S. Rider’s strong showing demonstrates the growing depth of talent in American snowboarding.
This win is particularly notable for Remans, who quickly transitioned from a strong showing at the Winter Olympics to success on the junior world stage. Her Olympic debut at Milano Cortina 2026, though not resulting in a medal, provided invaluable experience that appears to have fueled her performance in Calgary. The ability to compete at the highest level and then immediately contend for a world championship title speaks to Remans’ exceptional talent and dedication.
On the men’s side, Hakuto Kitayama of Japan secured the gold medal, giving Japan its second title at the championships after Hiromu Watanabe won the Slopestyle event. Kitayama’s winning score of 175.00 was anchored by a switch backside 1440 mute in his second run, which earned him a score of 91.00, adding to his first-run score of 84.25 for a backside triple cab 1440 mute. He was the only competitor to break the 90.00 point barrier in the men’s competition.
Remans’ journey to the top began at a young age, picking up snowboarding at five years old during family vacations. Her talent was quickly recognized, leading to her entry into the Kidsweek Freestyle Snowboard competition in Snow Valley Peer, Belgium, where she caught the eye of trainers and talent scouts. At just five and a half years old, she joined the freestyle team at Snow Valley Peer. Her early development was further supported by her inclusion in the Intensive Rookie Program of Snowsports Flanders in 2020 and the Belgian Olympic and Interfederal Committee’s Be Gold program in 2024.
The young Belgian’s potential was also recognized by snowboarding legend Anna Gasser, who invited Remans to attend the second Future Queens session at Red Bull’s development camp in 2023. This mentorship opportunity provided Remans with valuable guidance and exposure to the highest levels of the sport. Gasser’s influence is a testament to the growing recognition of Remans’ talent within the snowboarding community.
Prior to her Junior World Championship success, Remans had already demonstrated her prowess on the European Cup circuit, securing the top spot in both Slopestyle and Big Air during the 2024/25 season. This dominance on the European stage paved the way for her debut on the FIS Snowboard World Cup in the 2025/26 season, where she achieved respectable finishes of twelfth and fourteenth in her first two Big Air events in Secret Garden and Beijing, China. She followed this with an eleventh-place finish in Slopestyle in Aspen, Colorado, and a fifth-place finish in Laax, Switzerland, reaching her first World Cup final.
Following her victory, Remans expressed her excitement and focus on continued improvement. According to reports, she stated, “En nu veel oefenen op mijn nieuwe tricks” – “Now a lot of practicing on my new tricks.” This quote, as reported by HBVL, highlights her dedication to pushing her boundaries and refining her skills. Remans’ commitment to innovation suggests she will continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the snowboarding world.
The Junior World Championships serve as a crucial stepping stone for young athletes aiming for senior-level success. Remans’ performance in Calgary, coupled with her recent Olympic debut and World Cup appearances, positions her as a rising star in the sport. The combination of natural talent, dedicated training, and mentorship from established athletes like Anna Gasser suggests a bright future for the young Belgian snowboarder.
Looking ahead, Remans will undoubtedly focus on honing her skills and preparing for future competitions. Her stated intention to “practice on new tricks” indicates a desire to continually evolve her riding style and stay ahead of the competition. Fans can expect to witness her competing on the World Cup circuit and potentially returning to the Olympic stage in the years to come.
What do you think of Sky Remans’ incredible rise in snowboarding? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and be sure to follow Archysport for continued coverage of the FIS Snowboard World Cup and other major snowboarding events.
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