Laura Peel back in action as Aerials World Cup returns

Reigning Aerials FIS World Cup champion Laura Peel is back in action this weekend and looking to add yet another medal to her rich palmarès in Yaroslavl (RUS), where Aerials competitions are scheduled to return on Saturday and Sunday.

Peel is currently leading the 2020-2021 Aerials World Cup standings after starting off the season in style and winning the opening event in Ruka (FIN), in early December. Despite having to face a season marred by uncertainty, the Australian champion is trying to be adaptable and keep the bigger picture in mind, staying motivated while she keeps working towards her goals.

“My main goal this season is to keep working on my triples, build on my consistency and increase my degree of difficulty. I am working towards a full-full-full this season, which is three flips with three twists, one more twist than I did last year!” Peel said.

In Yaroslavl, Peel will be up against up-and-coming Emma Weiss of Germany, who scored her first World Cup podium in Finland and is now chasing a first career win. She won’t be the only one to challenge the Australian for the top spot, though. 

“There are a lot of great athletes on the tour. In a sport like Aerials skiing, anything can happen on the day. I am focusing on my own preparation and trying to be ready for anything,” said Peel.

With the Olympic Winter Games just over a year away, qualification is also a consideration this season, but Peel is trying to keep her focus on the World Cup and continuing her winning form from early December. 

“The Olympics are always in the back of your mind in a qualifying season, but my coach and I put a plan together last year that we’re going to stick to. We’re just taking it one day at a time and trying to get the most out of each day.”

Abbey Willcox will also be competing in Yaroslavl, looking to build on a breakthrough 2019-2020 campaign that saw her winning the first World Cup medal of her career in Deer Valley.

Women’s qualifications are scheduled at 10.30pm on Saturday (AEDT), followed by men’s qualifications, with Finals starting from 3am on Sunday.