Lydia Lassila defies the odds to win GOLD in Deer Valley

Courtesy www.owia.org

Lydia Lassila’s remarkable return to Aerial Skiing is very much on track for a tilt at a fifth Olympics after her extraordinary World Cup gold medal in Deer Valley, Utah, USA.
 
In only her second event since her Bronze medal in Sochi and the birth of her second child, against the world’s best athletes including VIS teammates Danielle Scott, the world number one, and the current world champion, Laura Peel, Lydia’s expectations were only to keep building throughout the season and improve from week to week.
 
“I was emotional all day and I had a good feeling,” was Lydia Lassila’s first comment after winning Gold. “I couldn’t believe I won.”
 
“To be honest, I was happy to stay on my feet.”
 
The day unfolded with Lydia qualifying fifth and Danielle Scott second and both moving into the Top 12 Final.
 
As the weather worsened and took its toll on the Aerialists, including Scott who was caught in a sudden cross wind as she took off, Lydia fought through to come out on top going into the Super Final and a shot at the podium.
 
“I knew it was tough weather and I kinda like that. I was in a good space all day – and sometimes days like this are good for me because it becomes fight or flight,” Lassila said.
 
With American Kiley McKinnon scoring an impressive 95.17 in the six-athlete super final and Lydia last to jump, it was tense viewing – wondering if the mother-of-two could lift by almost ten points from the first final to create the upset win that no-one really expected.
 
Performing the same Full Double Full as McKinnon, Lydia executed under pressure and was awarded accordingly with 95.52 points and a World Cup gold.
 
“This is the feeling that I missed and came back for,” she said. “It’s not the winning so much – it’s being able to do your best, the pure adrenalin and the fun.”
 
“Hopefully we will get a few more mums out there going after what they want. You can have it all – on some days,” the 34-year-old said.

“The team effort with the coaches and athletes, even helping Danielle and I today, is what has made it happen,” Lydia added.
 
Lydia’s return has lifted the Australian Aerial Team and according to team coach Jeff Bean, it’s good for confidence.
 
“I’m ecstatic for Lydia. It’s good for her confidence and motivating for everyone,” Coach Bean said.

“It’s been tough weather here, which caught Danielle when she got hit by a head wind. Dave Morris has had some small injuries but has had a good building block week here getting the quad twist happening.”
 
For Danielle Scott, the day is bitter sweet after taking a hard fall and scratching her face but still able to retain her yellow bib as the current world number one.
 
“My face is sore. There were some pretty tough conditions out there today,” Danielle said.
 
“The qualifying was great but it was one of the trickiest days we’ve had with snow falling and wind gusts. In the final, the timing on the clock on the run in was fine, but speed wasn’t on my side. I will live and learn.”
 
Dave Morris went after the quad twist again and is making progress as the season continues. He went out in the qualifying in 18th place.

"Disappointing result for me today," Dave said. "I always hope for a spot in finals but I didn't dedicate my takeoff as much as I needed to and the judges weren't too impressed with my legs having to bend in the air. But a safe landing and still in one piece for the rest event in Korea."
 
Coach Bean says time will be good for Morris.

“He’s doing all the right things and there’s a lot of room for him leading into the World Championships,” Coach Jeff Bean advised.

Unfortunately, Samantha Wells and Laura Peel both struggled on landings in the qualifying round and were unable to advance to the final 12..

Olympic Winter Institute CEO Geoff Lipshut is delighted with the continuing success by the Flying Kangaroos Aerial Skiing program.
 
"It is great to see Lydia back in action today and winning,” Mr Lipshut said. 
 
“This was only Lydia's second competition since Sochi - it is important to keep building confidence and to have a podium so soon after such a long break is fantastic. Like everyone in our program we are just thrilled to have Lydia back on the team. She is such an inspiration in so many ways."
 
The next stop on the World Cup calendar is the Olympic test event in Bokwang, Korea on February 10.