Heaydon set for historic World Cup debut

Slalom skier Henry Heaydon will make his FIS Ski World Cup debut in Levi this weekend but it’s a milestone he says is far from his alone.

Heaydon’s sister Phoebe has also been named to compete in her second Levi outing, a moment that will make his debut even more special, and a special one for Australian snowsports. 

While men and women competing in an Alpine World Cup in the same place at the same time is a rarity in itself, Henry and Phoebe Heaydon are also believed to be the first Australian siblings set to compete in the same Alpine World Cup event.

The pair will be joined by Hugh McAdam and Olympian Madi Hoffman in the team for this weekend.

“Being able to race alongside my sister at a World Cup is an amazing feeling and something I wasn’t sure was possible for a while,” Heaydon said.

“We have always shared a mutual passion for ski racing since we were very young and try to help each other at every place we can. 

“It truly is a blessing to be able to share this experience with her as we are very close and train a lot together. 

“I am extremely excited to cheer her on as she does Levi for her second time on Saturday as well!”

Heaydon’s parents will travel from their base in the US to Levi to watch their two children compete, after moving across the globe to help Henry and Phoebe realise their dreams.

“The sacrifices they have made for my sister and I are absolutely immense, including moving their entire lives from Australia over to the US when Phoebe and I were young,” he said.

“It’s amazing that all the hard work is paying off and I know they are incredibly excited for this upcoming weekend.”

Heaydon has been all over the world preparing for this moment, and after earning his ANC Nations bib in Slalom, he has only started working harder.

“Since the southern season I completed another dry land block in Colorado and then ventured over to Europe for pre season which consisted of blocks in Belgium indoor, Sölden and Pitztal, Austria and most recently an intense Slalom camp in Kåbdalis, Sweden,” he said.

“I feel as prepared as I could be for my debut and am ready to give it my all.”

Getting to this moment has felt like a long time coming for Heaydon, and he will not take his chance for granted.

“I cannot truly put into words how much it means to me,” he said.

“My expectations for Levi are to lay down the best run I can and just be proud of my skiing I put down on the day. 

“I want to leave nothing on the table.”

The FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup slalom races will be held in Levi, Finland, on November 14 and 15. More information here.

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