Two Aussie debuts headline Levi World Cup showdown

When the slalom gates open in Levi this weekend, two Australian athletes will make their FIS Alpine Ski World Cup debuts, marking the biggest moment of their careers to date.

Australia has four skiers competing across 15 -16 November in Finland, but it’s the historic double debut of Phoebe Heaydon and Sophie Mahon in the women’s slalom on Friday 15 November that leads the charge for the green and gold. The following day, Hugh McAdam and Louis Muhlen-Schulte will take on the men’s slalom.

With Levi hosting one of the most electric early-season World Cup races on the calendar, Heaydon and Mahon have the opportunity to race against the best alpine skiers, and for Heaydon, the moment is years in the making.

“Making my World Cup debut is something I’ve aspired to achieve since I was very young,” Heaydon said. 

“Personally, it feels like a dream come true to finally compete at the highest level of my sport.

“Professionally, it’s a testament to all the hard work I’ve put in, and it’s an opportunity to measure myself against the best in the world. I’m excited to learn from the experience, grow as an athlete, and take this as the first big step toward achieving more of my goals in the future.

“I’m really looking forward to representing my country and being surrounded by the best in the world, doing what I love most. 

“My main goal is to put down skiing that I’m proud of, and of course, in the back of my mind, I’d love to break into the top 30, but I’m trying to keep the pressure low and enjoy the experience,” she said. 

Sharing the start line for the first time, Mahon will also make her long-awaited debut, a moment she describes as the culmination of years of resilience and belief.

“To be making my World Cup debut in Levi is a dream come true,” Mahon said. 

“Wearing the World Cup bib and standing in that gate, it’s a moment I know I will carry with me forever.

“To be representing the green and gold on this world stage has always been my goal, and being able to wear the World Cup bib and stand in that gate this upcoming weekend is the result of years of passion for my sport, resilience, and self-belief. 

“It is a moment I know I will carry with me forever! It also marks the beginning of a new chapter in being able to compete at this top level and I’m really excited to keep pushing my limits and growing as an athlete and to work my way up in these competitive fields.

“My goal is to ski with full commitment, trust the work I’ve put in, and enjoy every second of competing on a course like this.”

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