Para Alpine Season Comes to a Close
Published Tue 28 Mar 2023
The FIS Para Alpine World Cup season wrapped up earlier this month with Australia’s skiers rounding out their international seasons in Italy.
Both the speed and technical races were affected by poor weather conditions which forced the cancellation of some races, however five events were still staged.
In the speed races at Sella Nevea, Patrick Jensen and guide Ethan Jackson placed fifth in both downhill events, while Josh Hanlon recorded a pair of DNFs in the sitting classification. No Super G races were held due to the conditions.
The technical events required a change in venue to Cortina which is where the Paralympic slalom and giant slalom races will take place at the 2026 Paralympics.
Jensen and Jackson were just off the podium in fourth place in one of the giant slalom races, while Hanlon’s best result came in slalom where he was ninth.
Jensen called his giant slalom race the highlight of his campaign, proof that continued effort brings results.
“It was a tough field but I feel like I put down two of my better runs of the season,” he said. “My biggest takeaway from this season is that no matter how bad you think a season may be going, don’t lay down and give up.
“Keep putting your head down and working hard, and eventually that hard work will pay off.”
It was Jensen’s first season with new guide Jackson, with the pair forming a strong combination.
“We gel like peanut butter and jelly, baby!” said Jackson. “It was a tough season. There was a lack of snow which made training difficult but we made the most of what we had.
“Being a guide definitely is both mentally and physically hard but the positives far outweigh the challenges.”
Reflecting on the season, Hanlon said the opportunity to compete at one of the most iconic venues in alpine skiing, Kitzbühel, was a highlight.
“Although it was just the two slalom races it felt like so much more than that,” he said. “Competing at such a prestigious hill was so exciting.
“I think I've done well to edge my way closer to lead throughout the season. It's been really fun to have a full season on the circuit.”
While their northern winter has now come to a close, their eyes will soon be on the domestic season and looking further ahead to making more progress in 2023/24.
