FIS Freestyle Ski Summer Grand Prix Series: Brisbane Awaits Grand Finale
Sep 07, 2023·Freestyle
The inaugural FIS Freestyle Ski Summer Grand Prix Series has taken the world by storm, transforming what is typically an off-season training period into a riveting world-class competition. As the series reaches its climax, all eyes are set on Brisbane's Geoff Henke Olympic Winter Training Center at the Sleeman Sports Complex. Slated for Saturday, September 9, this event is not just another competition—it's a historic moment. For the first time ever, the Queensland Olympic training facility will play host to an international FIS event.
With the first two rounds held in Mettmenstetten, Switzerland, and Utah Olympic Park, USA, the series has already seen some breathtaking performances. Nearly 20 athletes from countries including Australia, Switzerland, Ukraine, and USA are preparing to showcase their prowess in Brisbane. The stakes are high, with individual medals on the line at the 2023 Snow Australia Water Jump Grand Prix, culminating in the crowning of the overall Summer Grand Prix champions.
Three-time Australian Winter Olympian, Laura Peel, is among the top contenders. Having secured two silver medals in the previous rounds, she's on the cusp of potential glory. "I started competing in aerials in 2010, so it’s crazy to think I’ve never competed at home before,” Peel remarked, expressing her excitement about competing on home soil. With Marion Thenault, the current leader, not participating in Brisbane, Peel, who stands at 160 points, is in a prime position to take the overall win.
Peel's enthusiasm for the event is palpable. “So much of our training is done on the water ramp, it gives us another opportunity to showcase our skills, and to share the sport we love so much with a different audience,” she shared. She further added, “I’m really excited to compete in Australia and also to share our amazing facilities with other teams. I think they’re going to love training and competing at the Geoff Henke Water Ramp and I hope we’ll see more and more teams in the future.”
On the men's front, the competition is equally fierce. Noé Roth, the 2023 Men’s Aerials World Champion, is a standout, especially after his gold medal win in Mettmenstetten. With Christopher Lillis, the current leader, not competing in Brisbane, the stage is set for an intense battle between Roth, who has 150 points, and Pirmin Werner, who holds 120 points.
For fans attending, the event promises to be a visual spectacle. Gates will swing open at 12.30, with the finals set to commence at 13:00. Peel gave a hint of what's in store: “Aerials is a spectacular sport to watch and in a water ramp competition athletes are really going to be pushing the degree of difficulty as there’s a little bit more room for error and external factors such as weather have less of an impact.” She further teased, “Audiences can expect to see some of the best athletes in the world performing some of the most difficult jumps ever seen before, and they can enjoy it all in shorts!”
For those who can't be there in person, fret not. The grand finale will be streamed live, ensuring fans from all corners of the globe can be part of the excitement.
Summer Grand Prix standings: WOMEN / MEN
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