Sam Tait celebrates first international podium finish

Sam Tait has made a career breakthrough by securing a gold medal at the Jasna Europa Cup over the weekend, also his first ever podium finish at an international event.

The 28-year-old sit-skier who hails from New South Wales, produced two very consistent runs, and with his times combined finished nearly one second faster than Pavel Babousek (CZE) who won the silver medal.

Tait said that it was a great feeling to be rewarded for all the hard work he has been putting in for some time now.

“I’ve been working pretty hard this season, and during the Australian season, to try and compete better. It’s great to be on the podium finally,” Tait said.

The Winter Paralympian said he was pleased to be able to celebrate the win with his team mates.

“It’s good to have the team here, and to be racing with Pat (Jensen),” Tait said.

“He’s had a few World Cup podiums, so I thought I better step up to the plate and finish the season off well before our break back home,” he said.

The Australian Para Alpine team will now head back to Australia for some rest, before returning to the Northern Hemisphere for the Hajfell World Cup, which kicks off on March 15.Tait is hopeful for another podium finish at this benchmark event.

“In Hajfell for the speed events I’m hoping for a podium, but I’d love to be able to get a top 5 positon for the downhills and the Super G,” said Tait.

For full results from the Jasna EC - click here