The opening FIS World Cup slalom events of the season took place over the weekend in Levi, Finland, with four Australian athletes representing their country on the world stage.
Making their World Cup debuts were Phoebe Heaydon and Sophie Mahon in the women’s competition, while 2022 Olympian Louis Muhlen-Schulte and Hugh McAdam lined up in the men’s event.
Women’s Slalom
In a competitive field of 84 skiers, Heaydon delivered the best Australian result in the first run, finishing 63rd, while Mahon placed 69th. In first place was American superstar Mikaela Shiffrin claiming her 102nd World Cup victory, followed by Lara Colturi of Albania and Emma Aicher of Germany.
Heaydon described her debut as a lifelong dream realised:
“It feels like a dream come true to make my World Cup debut. It’s something every ski racer dreams of achieving. I’m proud I’ve gotten to this level, but racing my first one has only made me more determined to continue to get better.
“It’s taken an extreme amount of hard work, dedication, and countless sacrifices to get to this level. There is not only the physical demand of the sport but also the mental aspect that has been pivotal in getting me to the World Cup stage.
Mahon echoed the excitement:
“It feels amazing to have made my World Cup debut in Levi representing Australia. I am so proud of all the work my team and I have put in to get to racing on this stage. It’s truly a dream come true to get to this point in my career.
“With my first World Cup completed, I’m really excited for what lies ahead. I will be competing at the World Cup in Gurgl, Austria, next week. I’m looking forward to bringing more confidence into each race and continuing to build to be competitive in these fields.
Men’s Slalom
In the men’s event, Hugh McAdam finished 62nd in a field of 81 skiers, while Muhlen-Schulte recorded a Did Not Finish.
The podium was headed by Lucas Pinheiro Braathen of Brazil in his country’s first ever World Cup victory with Clement Noel of France and Eduard Hallberg of Finland rounding out the top three.
The World Cup Alpine tour now heads to Austria, with Louis Muhlen-Schulte and Sophie Mahon set to compete in the slalom event in Gurgl, on November 23–24.
Making their World Cup debuts were Phoebe Heaydon and Sophie Mahon in the women’s competition, while 2022 Olympian Louis Muhlen-Schulte and Hugh McAdam lined up in the men’s event.
Women’s Slalom
In a competitive field of 84 skiers, Heaydon delivered the best Australian result in the first run, finishing 63rd, while Mahon placed 69th. In first place was American superstar Mikaela Shiffrin claiming her 102nd World Cup victory, followed by Lara Colturi of Albania and Emma Aicher of Germany.
Heaydon described her debut as a lifelong dream realised:
“It feels like a dream come true to make my World Cup debut. It’s something every ski racer dreams of achieving. I’m proud I’ve gotten to this level, but racing my first one has only made me more determined to continue to get better.
“It’s taken an extreme amount of hard work, dedication, and countless sacrifices to get to this level. There is not only the physical demand of the sport but also the mental aspect that has been pivotal in getting me to the World Cup stage.
Mahon echoed the excitement:
“It feels amazing to have made my World Cup debut in Levi representing Australia. I am so proud of all the work my team and I have put in to get to racing on this stage. It’s truly a dream come true to get to this point in my career.
“With my first World Cup completed, I’m really excited for what lies ahead. I will be competing at the World Cup in Gurgl, Austria, next week. I’m looking forward to bringing more confidence into each race and continuing to build to be competitive in these fields.
Men’s Slalom
In the men’s event, Hugh McAdam finished 62nd in a field of 81 skiers, while Muhlen-Schulte recorded a Did Not Finish.
The podium was headed by Lucas Pinheiro Braathen of Brazil in his country’s first ever World Cup victory with Clement Noel of France and Eduard Hallberg of Finland rounding out the top three.
The World Cup Alpine tour now heads to Austria, with Louis Muhlen-Schulte and Sophie Mahon set to compete in the slalom event in Gurgl, on November 23–24.
Images © Julia Piatkowska;
Top - Phoebe Heaydon
Bottom - Sophie Mahon
Top - Phoebe Heaydon
Bottom - Sophie Mahon
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