Hoffman secures first Slalom World Cup points since 2002

Alpine skier Madi Hoffman has started the season in style in Levi, Finland, becoming the first Australian to record World Cup points in the slalom event since 2002, when Olympic bronze medallist Zali Steggall placed 18th in the final World Cup event of her legendary career.

On Saturday in the first of two World Cup slalom events in Levi, Hoffman had a great first run completing the course in a time of 56.62 seconds in 25th place. In the second run Hoffman again had the 25th fastest run, finishing her run in 59.38 second, giving her a two run total time of 1 minute 56 seconds, finishing 25th overall, 5.41 seconds behind event winner and 2022 Olympic slalom gold medallist Petra Vlhova of Slovakia.

The performance was even more impressive, considering it was just the third World Cup start of her career, with World Cup points only awarded to athletes who finish in the top-30 of the field of 85 skiers on the weekend.
 

Speaking in the finish area after the event to two-time Olympic medallist Lydia Lassila, who now lives in the Finnish ski resort, Hoffman was thrilled with her start to the season.

"First points so very excited," said the 23-year-old.

"This lets me know that my normal (racing) is good enough and I now have the foundation to push even harder.

"The girls put down a clinic at the end, so I have some good visuals for tomorrow.

"It has definitely pumped me up for the rest of the season."

In the second World event on Sunday, Hoffman finished in 46th place, 3.58 seconds behind first place. Taking the win on Sunday was the 'G.O.A.T' of ski racing, Mikaela Shiffrin of the USA, who recorded the 89th World Cup victory of her career.

Hoffman and her team are now finalising her schedule for December, determining which World Cup and Europa Cups she will race in before Christmas.

Article courtesy OWIA