Lottie Lodge wins Winter Youth Olympic Games silver
Published Sat 27 Jan 2024
Courtesy AOC
Jindabyne's Lottie Lodge won silver in Freestyle Dual Moguls at the 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games (WYOG) in Gangwon, Korea today.
The event marks the first time dual moguls has been on the WYOG program, with Lottie’s medal the second for team Australia at the fourth edition of the Games.
The 17-year-old was in strong form through the round robin heats, winning three of her four duals to progress through to the semi-finals where she then defeated USA’s team dual bronze medallist Abby McLarnon 20-15.
Coming up against USA World Cup skier Elizabeth Lemley in the Big Final, Lottie put down her best run of the day to claim silver, going down 22-13.
Lottie said she was “stoked” with today's results and excited by the opportunity to ski against Elizabeth Lemley.
“I was so surprised when I beat Abby in the semi-final, because she is a great skier, but so stoked at the same time,” she said. “I was so excited to ski against (Elizabeth) Lemley in the big final, it was so much fun.”
“I came into today just wanting to ski consistently and do the same runs I was doing in training, that is what I was focusing on in the start gate.
“I also just wanted to go out there and do my own run, not worry about what the person next to me was doing, and I think I did that.
“I am just so stoked to represent Australia and to come away with a silver medal.”
Today’s silver medal comes a day after Lottie finished 7th in mixed team dual moguls.
Australian team mogul coach and 2014 Winter Olympian Nicole Parks said that Lottie’s determination and incredible work ethic is what set her up for today’s performance.
“I think what makes Lottie a really good mogul skier is that she's always reaching for something more,” she said. “She has incredible work ethic and is such a hard worker.
“Lottie skied really well all day today. She went out there wanting to ski consistently and she did just that. I am over the moon and absolutely stoked for her!”
“Today’s result will set Lottie up well for future competitions and help build her confidence. I can’t wait to see what the future holds; hopefully we can see her in Milano Cortina in two years’ time.”
Edward Hill was also in action today at Jeongseon High 1 Ski Resort, finishing the men’s dual moguls in 9th place.
