Laura Peel secures Silver at Swiss FIS Freestyle Ski Summer Grand Prix
Published Wed 23 Aug 2023
History was made under sunny skies as the inaugural FIS Freestyle Ski Summer Grand Prix took flight in Mettmenstetten (SUI) over the weekend. It was the first of three Water Ramp Grand Prix events, which will accumulate in the Series final in Brisbane, QLD next month.
With top-tier athletes gathered, the stage was set for an electrifying display of aerial prowess against the backdrop of idyllic weather. The anticipation was palpable, and the competition didn't disappoint.
Three time Australian Winter Olympian Laura Peel showcased her trademark aerial finesse by flawlessly executing a Full-Full-Full, securing her second place in the women's event with a score of 106.89 points.
Leading the charge was Marion Thenault from Canada, executing a Lay-double Full-Full, propelling her to the top of the leaderboard with an astonishing score of 110.18 points. Switzerland's Carol Bouvard rounded out the top three, wowing the judges with her Full-Tuck-Tuck trick, earning her a score of 89.59 points.
On the men's side, the competition was equally intense, Switzerland's Noe Roth won gold with his Full double Full-Full (140.76 points). His compatriot, Pirmin Werner, showcased a double Full-Full double Full, securing second place with a score of 137.00 points, while Christopher Lillis of the USA rounded out the top three with his impeccable double Full-Full double Full trick, earning him a score of 131.00 points.
The debut of the FIS Freestyle Ski Summer Grand Prix was more than just an event; it was a new beginning, setting the stage for a journey that pledges to redefine the realm of summer aerials skiing and propel it to unprecedented heights.
The competition unfolded in Mettmenstetten, but the excitement doesn't end here. The FIS Freestyle Ski Summer Grand Prix continues its journey, with the second stop set to dazzle at the Utah Olympic Park in Park City (USA) on August 26 before the tour comes Down Under to the Geoff Henke Olympic Winter Training Centre in Brisbane on Saturday 9 September.
The Australian Aerials Summer Grand Prix will be the third and final event in the series, where individual event winners and overall series champions will be crowned in Queensland. Stay tuned for more information!
