Aussies claim big air glory at Thredbo ANC
Published Thu 28 Aug 2025
Australian rising stars made a strong statement at the Australia New Zealand Cup (ANC) Big Air competition held at Thredbo, claiming victory in three of the four events on offer.
Joey Elliss and Daisy Thomas took top honours in the men’s and women’s Freeski events, while Mela Stalker soared to victory in the women’s Snowboard Big Air. Jesse Parkinson added to the medal tally with a third-place finish in the men’s snowboard, ensuring Aussie representation across all four podiums.
Thomas stole the show in the women’s Freeski event, delivering a commanding performance to secure the win ahead of fellow Australian Abi Harrigan who was second. New Zealand’s Madeleine Disbrowe rounded out the podium in third.
In the men’s Freeski, 18-year-old Elliss outshone a stacked field of Kiwi and Aussie talent to claim the title. New Zealand’s Fergus McArthur finished second, with Australia’s Hugo Broadbent landing third.
Australia went one-two in the women’s Snowboard Big Air, with Mela Stalker scoring an impressive 164 points to take the win ahead of Ally Hickman on 162.67. New Zealand’s Ava Beer claimed third with 153 points.
In the men’s event, New Zealand athletes edged out the Aussies, with Zephyr Lovelock taking the win on 164 points, followed by Tiarn Collins with 152.67 points. Jesse Parkinson kept Australia on the podium with a strong third-place finish, scoring 147 points.
