Phoebe Heaydon thankful for last start at the FIS Children Cup

Sixteen year old Phoebe Heaydon was the only Australian skier in the start gate at the 50th edition of the Alpecimbra FIS Children Cup, which was held in Italy at the end of January. Australia usually enters a larger team of athletes in the classic elite junior ski event, but the logistical challenges of this northern winter season meant only Phoebe was able  to compete in Folgaria.

This was Heaydon’s 4th participation in the FIS Children Cup, an event with a rich, long-standing tradition, formerly known as the ‘Trofeo Topolino’ until 2016. Thankful for the opportunity to race on the slopes of Folgaria for one last time, Phoebe immediately seeked to maximise the favorable circumstances when she landed bib number one in the Slalom.

“After the first run I was very content with my skiing and was only one position away from the podium. Then nerves began to build and in my second run I definitely made numerous mistakes and lost some time,” Heaydon said.

Despite not being entirely happy with her performance, Heaydon still came away with a great result, a seventh place just 0.61 seconds from the podium. 

“I was quite upset that I blew my opportunity of claiming the first-ever podium at this event for Australia, by such a small margin. But then I realised that I still put in a very good effort to get 7th place, and was excited to try again in the Giant Slalom.”

Unfortunately Heaydon did not finish the Giant Slalom, crashing out of the course in the second run after trying hard to take back some of the time she had lost in the first run. Results aside, Phoebe was very happy with her experience at the FIS Children World Cup in what was her last ever appearance in the event.

“Alpe Cimbra is such a special event because every year you get to compete against different nations and different athletes. Not only is the competition at this event very strong, but you are able to meet new people while competing for your nation. It was a great experience with an amazing atmosphere and I made many memories that will last a lifetime.”

The biggest children race in the world is also an opportunity for young athletes to come together, build relationships and inspire each other as they grow. Young Croatian talent Zrinka Ljutic is one of the athletes who push Phoebe to work hard in training and become the best skier she can be. 

“I raced Zrinka twice at Alpe Cimbra and she was unbeatable. Now she is winning Europa Cups and starting World Cup races as a first-year FIS skier.”

After the FIS Children Cup Heaydon returned to her home base of Vail (USA), where her family moved more than 10 years ago. Phoebe and her brother, National Alpine Ski Team member Henry Heaydon, both compete for the Ski and Snowboard Club Vail.

“I will continue to train and have my regional qualifiers in Colorado.  Then I will be racing at the Regional Championships in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. If I do well at that event I will hopefully be able to compete at U.S. Nationals,” Heaydon said.