Grand final on the Golden Coast in Australia.

For the first time, an FIS Freestyle Ski Summer Grand Prix took place on 09 September 2023 on the world's largest freestyle water jump, in Brisbane, Australia. Approximately 1800m2 of Watertrax glide mats from Skitrax World have been laid out here in recent years. Because of the warm temperatures, training can take place here all year round. No wonder that the Australian freestylers are among the best in the world.

On a sun-drenched Brisbane day, the final showdown of the FIS Freestyle Ski Summer Grand Prix Series took place, featuring top-notch competitors from Australia, Switzerland, and Ukraine.

The Geoff Henke Olympic Winter Training Centre at Sleeman Sports Complex was the chosen venue for this climactic event. This series, which had its inception earlier this year, saw its initial rounds unfold in the picturesque locales of Mettmenstetten, Switzerland, and the Utah Olympic Park in Park City, USA.

For the women, the Australian sensation, Airleigh Frigo, clinched the top spot in today's Freestyle Ski Summer Grand Prix with a commendable score of 85.36. Following closely were her compatriot Abbey Willcox with 79.69 and Ukraine's Diana Yablonska, who secured the third spot with 68.44. For Frigo, this victory was doubly sweet, marking her first win in an aerials competition and achieving it on home turf. "It felt amazing... I train here all year round, so I really know the facility, and I think that was a huge advantage," she beamed.

In the men's division, Switzerland's Pirmin Werner emerged victorious with a score of 146.37, followed by Ukraine's Dmytro Kotovskyi with 122.62, and Oleksandr Okipniuk, also from Ukraine, taking the third spot with 120.00. Werner, reflecting on his win, said, "Winning here in Brisbane, with such a vibrant crowd and perfect conditions, is truly special. It's moments like these that remind me why I love this sport.”

However, the day wasn't without its share of heartbreaks. Laura Peel, the triple Olympian, had to bow out due to a calf injury sustained during training. Yet, her stellar performances in the previous rounds ensured her a second-place finish in the overall series.

Overall Summer Grand Prix Standings:

Women:

The women's overall title was clinched by Canada's Marion Thenault, amassing a total of 200 points from her two victories in the initial events. Laura Peel, despite her unfortunate injury, secured the second spot with 160 points, thanks to her consistent performances. The podium was rounded off by Airleigh Frigo, who, with her Brisbane win, tallied a total of 100 points.

Men:

Pirmin Werner's stellar performance in Brisbane catapulted him to the top, earning him the Summer Grand Prix title with a total of 220 points. Noe Roth, despite a hiccup in the final round, managed to secure the second spot with 190 points. The third position was claimed by USA's Christopher Lillis, who finished with 160 points.

As the curtains come down on the inaugural FIS Freestyle Ski Summer Grand Prix Series, the athletes now shift their focus to training, gearing up for the upcoming World Cup season in the northern hemisphere.

Here is a preliminary report by Mateusz Kielpinski, the Media Coordinator Freestyle Skiing of the International Ski Federation (FIS):

Die erst 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

Report & Picture &Video:: Mateusz Kielpinski - Media Coordinator Freestyle Skiing - fis-ski.com