Aussie rising star emerges onto world stage
Published Fri 22 Jan 2021
Valentino Guseli in action at the FIS Snowboard Halfpipe World Cup in Laax, Switzerland
Australian snowboarder Valentino Guseli has burst onto the world stage, qualifying first in his debut FIS Snowboard Halfpipe World Cup in Laax, Switzerland.
The 15 year old, in his first World Cup start, stunned the field scoring 95.00 in his second run of the competition.
Guseli is one of two Australian males who have qualified for finals in the first FIS Snowboard Halfpipe World Cup of the season in Laax, with defending champion and Triple Olympian Scotty James scoring 81.00 to qualify in fifth.
Guseli is a prodigious talent, having been part of the Snow Australia Emerging Talent Program (ETP) for the past three years, and named Snow Australia Rising Star in 2018.
Snow Australia Performance Pathway and Program Manager Ben Wordsworth said he was very impressed with Guseli’s debut World Cup performance.
“Valentino has been identified as an extreme talent for many years. He is the prototype for the Snow Australia Emerging Talent Program, which is designed to recognise and support talented, emerging athletes.
“I remember when Scotty James made his Olympic debut in Vancouver at fifteen, so it’s exciting to see Valentino following in his footsteps, and I’m looking forward to seeing what’s next for him.
Snow Australia CEO Michael Kennedy said it is always exciting to see a young talented athlete emerge onto the World stage having shown so much potential as a Junior.
“Valentino is obviously a phenomenal young talent. Credit to him and his family for the hard work and sacrifice getting to this point. In many ways it is just the beginning! We are pleased to support him through Emerging Talent Program and in partnership with the Olympic Winter Institute ensure he has the support he needs to transition into the next stage of his development.”
“To qualify for finals in your first World Cup is fantastic. To qualify in first place is incredible. Lets see what the finals bring but regardless of the outcome it is a great sign for the future.”
Guseli will now compete in his first FIS World Cup Halfpipe final on Saturday 23rd January.
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ABOUT SNOW AUSTRALIA'S EMERGING TALENT PROGRAM
The Emerging Talent Program identifies and supports Australia's next generation of Winter Olympic ski and snowboard athletes who are at the start of their high performance pathway journey. The program is made possible due to Performance Pathway funding from the AIS and the generous support of US Based fund manager, The Lind Partners along with Lind Advisory Board member John Hancock. John and his wife Gemma have pledged to support Australia’s next generation of snow athletes via ongoing program donations. This has enabled additional investment and support of the Emerging Talent Program.