Australian Alpine Skiers Celebrate World Cup Debuts in Levi
Published Mon 17 Nov 2025
The opening FIS World Cup slalom events of the season in Levi (FIN) marked a milestone for Australian alpine skiing, with four athletes stepping onto one of the sport’s biggest stages.
Phoebe Heaydon and Sophie Mahon made their World Cup debuts in the women’s competition, while 2022 Olympian Louis Muhlen‑Schulte and Hugh McAdam contested the men’s event.
In a field of 84 skiers, Heaydon recorded the best Australian result in the first run, finishing 63rd, with Mahon close behind in 69th. The women’s podium was headed by American superstar Mikaela Shiffrin, who claimed her 102nd World Cup victory, followed by Lara Colturi of Albania and Emma Aicher of Germany.
For Mahon, the debut was more than a race, it was the culmination of years of training and hard work.
“Making my World Cup debut in Levi, Finland was truly a dream come true, a dream I’ve been working towards every single day since I was very young,” Mahon said.
“I’m leaving Levi with a deep sense of achievement, but even more so with immense gratitude for the people who helped me reach this milestone. My family, Snow Australia, my mentor, and my coaches have all believed in me, supported me, and pushed me to become the athlete I am today.
“This moment has reminded me just how many people are behind me, and it’s given me huge motivation for the hard training ahead. I’m committed to continuing to train and race with everything I have, leaving no stone unturned. I love this sport with all my heart, and I feel incredibly grateful to now be competing at this level. Thank you.”
Mahon added that the highlight was wearing the green and gold on the international stage
“As athletes, we dream about moments like this, but to actually step into the start gate and race a World Cup for Australia is something I’ll cherish forever. I’m incredibly grateful to Snow Australia for the opportunity, and to everyone back home who has supported me and sent such kind messages. Knowing I have that support behind me made the experience even more special,” she said.
In the men’s competition, Hugh McAdam finished 62nd in a field of 81, while Muhlen‑Schulte recorded a Did Not Finish. Brazil’s Lucas Pinheiro Braathen made history by winning his nation’s first ever World Cup race, with Clement Noel of France and Eduard Hallberg of Finland rounding out the podium.
