Québec Snowboarder Francis Jobin Finishes 7th at Olympics with Dislocated Shoulder | 2024 Winter Games Updates

LIVIGNO, Italy – Canadian snowboarder Francis Jobin delivered a remarkable performance at the Milan Cortina Games on Thursday, qualifying for the big air final despite battling through a dislocated shoulder. The 27-year-old from Lac-Beauport, Quebec, finished sixth in qualifying with a combined score of 170.75, securing his spot among the 12 finalists.

Jobin’s journey to the Olympics has been one of perseverance, having made his World Cup debut a decade ago. His qualification performance was particularly impressive considering the adversity he faced. Reports indicate he dislocated his shoulder during the competition, yet continued to compete, even re-dislocating it on a subsequent run. Despite the pain and disruption, he managed to secure his place in Saturday’s final.

“It’s a testament to his resilience and determination,” said a source close to the Canadian team, though no direct quote was provided. “To qualify for the final under those circumstances is truly exceptional.”

The qualifying round saw Japan’s Hiroto Ogiwara lead the field with a combined score of 178.50, followed by Italy’s Ian Matteoli (174.50) and Japan’s Kira Kimura (173.25). Jobin’s score placed him firmly within contention for a medal, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.

Another Canadian, Eli Bouchard, 18, narrowly missed out on qualification, finishing 14th with a score of 161.25. Cameron Spalding, 20, placed 22nd with a score of 145.50. Both Bouchard and Spalding represent the growing depth of Canadian snowboarding talent.

Jobin’s path to this moment has been marked by consistent improvement and dedication. He first appeared at the FIS World Championships in 2017, returning to compete again in 2023 and 2025. His breakthrough came in February 2025, when he secured his first World Cup victory in slopestyle at Aspen, Colorado, defeating two-time Olympic medallist Su Yiming of China. Prior to that, he had several near misses, finishing fourth in slopestyle events at Mammoth Mountain in 2020, Silvaplana in 2021, and Laax in 2024.

That victory in Aspen was preceded by a gold medal in snowboard street style at the 2025 Winter X Games, an event he was invited to after winning the Street Style Pro Copper Mountain competition in December 2024. This string of successes demonstrates a clear upward trajectory for the Quebec native.

Jobin’s early career included a bronze medal in big air at the 2016 FIS Junior World Championships, marking him as a promising talent from a young age. He made his FIS World Cup debut in February 2016 and first broke into the top 10 in March 2018, finishing ninth in big air in Quebec City.

The Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, which officially kicked off earlier this week, are already delivering compelling storylines. Canada has begun the Games with a win in women’s hockey and a medal in speedskating, with Maltais securing the nation’s first podium finish. Jobin’s performance adds another layer of excitement to Canada’s Olympic campaign.

The big air final is scheduled for Saturday, and Jobin will be looking to build on his qualifying performance. His ability to overcome adversity, coupled with his recent successes on the World Cup circuit and at the X Games, positions him as a legitimate contender for a medal. The competition promises to be fierce, with Ogiwara setting the pace in qualifying, but Jobin has already proven he is capable of rising to the occasion.

The Canadian team will be closely monitoring Jobin’s shoulder injury, and his participation in the final may depend on his ability to manage the pain and regain full range of motion. However, his determination and competitive spirit suggest he will do everything in his power to compete for a medal.

As the Games progress, all eyes will be on Jobin to see if he can continue his inspiring run and add to Canada’s medal count. His story is a reminder of the dedication, resilience, and sheer willpower that define Olympic athletes.