SPORT RECAP: Aussies in Action

As the northern winter gains momentum, Australian athletes were once again in action across Europe, Asia and North America, producing a string of strong results across multiple disciplines.

Moguls - World Cup Ruka (FIN)

Australia’s mogul stars opened their Olympic season in spectacular style, with Jakara Anthony and Matt Graham delivering a rare double-gold performance at the World Cup in Ruka. The pair repeated their historic feat from Deer Valley in 2023, headlining a strong team that also saw Charlotte Wilson make finals on both days, finishing 13th, with Jackson Harvey18th, Emma Bosco 20th, and Cooper Woods and George Murphywereunable to complete their runs.

Alpine

It was a busy week on the alpine circuit, with athletes competing across World Cup, European Cup and junior events.

Louis Muhlen-Schultedelivered another competitive Giant Slalom performance at the Beaver Creek World Cup, finishing 39th and missing the second run by just 0.35 seconds.

Harry Laidlaw continued his return to form with 27th in the Zinal European Cup GS, just his third race back since August.

On the junior circuit, Madison Gilson impressed with 4th in the Puy St Vincent NJR Slalom, while Henry Heaydon added two quality results: 3rd in the Lithuanian National Junior Cup Slalom and 4th in Hochfuegen FIS Slalom.

Ski Mountaineering (Skimo) - World Cup, Solitude (USA)

The Skimo World Cup made its historic first stop in the United States, with Ava McCann, Lara Hamilton and Isaac Thompson navigating challenging conditions.

Ava placed 41st, overcoming transition issues during the boot pack section, while Lara delivered a career-best 31st, narrowly missing the top 30 by under a tenth of a second. While in the men’s race, Isaac finished 54th.

Park & Pipe - Big Air Beijing, China 

In snowboard Big Air, Val Guseliled the men with 13th, followed by Josh Robertson-Hahnin 24th and Jesse Parkinsonin 40th.

Tess Coadycontinued her strong form, finishing 8th, with Meila Stalker 17th and Ally Hickman 24th also performing well.

In freeski Big Air, Joey Elliss placed 40th, while Abi Harrigan achieved a solid 18th.

Cross Country - World Cup, Trondheim (NOR)

A large Australian squad gained valuable early-season experience across three disciplines.

Sprint Classic: Maddie Hooker(67th) and Ellen Soehol Lie (68th) led the women, with Lars Young Vik(75th), Phillip Bellingham (78th) and Fedele de Campo(80th) the top men.

20km Skiathlon: Rosie Fordham delivered a strong showing in 40th, while Seve de Campo (73rd) and Bentley Walker-Broose (86th) completed the men’s race.

10km Freestyle: Rosie Fordham (36th) and Phoebe Cridland (44th) both achieved Tier 3 Olympic nomination results, battling for top-30 positions well into the second lap. In the men’s field, Seve de Campoachieved a Tier 4 result, his third this season, while Bentley Walker-Broosesecured a World Cup PB.

Note: Tuva Bygrave withdrew due to illness, while Lars Young Vik stepped out of later races to focus on recovery ahead of Davos.

Aerials - World Cup, Ruka (FIN)

Australia opened the Aerials World Cup season with a strong team performance, highlighted by Airleigh Frigo’simpressive 6th place.

Laura Peel finished 10th, Danielle Scott13th, Abbey Willcox 14th and Sidney Stephens 21st. In the men’s event, Reilly Flanagan placed 19th.

Snowboard Alpine - Mylin, China

Millie Bongiorno finished 44th and 41st across two competition days, while Harvey Edmanson recorded two DNFs.

Para Snowsports

Para Alpine - Kaunertal (LIE National Championships & FIS)

Australia’s Para Alpine team had a strong week in Kaunertal, securing multiple podiums across the Liechtenstein National Championships and FIS events. 

In the December 4 Giant Slalom,Georgia Gunewwith guide Ethan Jackson finished fifth in the women’s visually impaired category, Liana France was third in the women’s standing race, and Josh Hanlon took second in the men’s sitting class. 

The following day in Slalom, Gunew and Jackson improved to second, France and Hanlon both claimed wins, and Michael Milton added another victory in the men’s standing race. The team backed this up in the FIS Slalom with similar results, highlighting a dominant weekend for the Australian squad.

Para Cross Country - World Cup, Canmore

Australia wrapped up the Para Nordic World Cup in Canmore with solid performances in the 10km Mass Start, withLauren Parker10th in the women’s sitting race, and Dave Miln and Matt Brumby19th and 32nd in the men’s sitting event. The full team of athletes, coaches, and support staff showed encouraging growth for the program. 

Brumby reflected on the week as a valuable learning experience, while coach Alina McMaster praised the team’s strong racing and the ‘electric’ atmosphere. Taryn, who was unable to compete officially, still gained experience and supported her teammates. The squad now heads into the IBU Para Biathlon World Cup in Canmore next week.

Coming Up This Week

A big week of competition awaits across multiple disciplines:

• December 9: Para Alpine – Steinach am Brenner (AUT) FIS SG

• December 10-12: Snowboard Halfpipe World Cup, Secret Garden (CHN)

• December 10-12: Para Alpine – Steinach am Brenner WC (AUT) AC SG 2

• December 11-13: Snowboard & Freeski Big Air World Cup, Steamboat (USA)

• December 11: Para Cross Country / Biathlon – IBU WC, Canmore (CAN) Sprint Event

• December 12-14: Snowboard Cross World Cup, Cervinia (ITA)

• December 12: Alpine World Cup Downhill 1, St Moritz (SUI)

• December 13: Snowboard Alpine World Cup, Cortina d’Ampezzo (ITA)

• December 13: Alpine World Cup GS, Val d’Isère (FRA)

• December 13: Alpine World Cup Downhill 2, St Moritz (SUI)

• December 13: Para Cross Country / Biathlon – IBU WC, Canmore (CAN) Sprint Pursuit Event

• December 13-14: Para Alpine – Ischgl (AUT) FIS GS

• December 14: Alpine World Cup SL, Val d’Isère (FRA)

• December 14: Alpine World Cup Super-G, St Moritz (SUI)

• December 14: Para Cross Country / Biathlon – IBU WC, Canmore (CAN) Individual Event

• December 15-17: Para Alpine – Santa Caterina (ITA) WC DH

• December 16: Alpine World Cup Slalom, Courchevel (FRA)

• December 16-17: Alpine European Cup GS, Valloire (FRA)

Stay tuned to Snow Live for updates, results, and highlights as our athletes continue their push on the world stage.

NOTE: Please reach out to Snow Australia if there are any events or results missing.

Image Credit: Jan Vokaty