From 3rd-7th April 2017, the FIS Freestyle Junior World Ski Championships showcased a stacked field of over 440 talented future ski stars from 26 countries in Chiesa/Valmalenco (ITA).
During five days of high-level action against the beautiful background of the Mount Bernina, a total of 30 medals were on offer in aerials, moguls, dual moguls, slopestyle and ski cross for both ladies and men.
Best athletes
Jack Kariotis (USA) secured gold in moguls and bronze in dual moguls, while his teammate Olivia Giaccio won gold in dual moguls and bronze in moguls on the ladies’ side. With her two medals, 16-year old Giaccio capped a successful season which included the FIS World Cup Rookie of the Year title.
In the Freestyle events, 15-year old Sildaru Kelly (EST) stood out as the shining star, winning gold both in ladies’ halfpipe (held earlier in Crans Montana) and slopestyle.
Meanwhile, fresh off her gold medal performance at the recent FIS Freestyle World Ski Championships in Sierra Nevada (ESP), Sandra Naeslund (SWE) captured the Junior Worlds title in ski cross, as in the previous year.
USA claims Marc Hodler Trophy
USA claimed the Marc Hodler Trophy for the top nation at the Championships with 136 points, followed by Russia with 94, and Sweden with 76 points. Overall, 13 nations took home medals, led by the USA with ten. Click here for full standings.
“It was very good to be back in Valmalenco. We have been able to enjoy their outstanding hospitality and friendship for the fifth time already and we would like to thank the Organisers for their hard and dedicated work. It is great to see all the young athletes competing at a very high level and we are sure to see some of them at the World Cup, World Championships and Olympic Games in the next year/s,” commented FIS Freestyle Skiing Coordinator Joseph Fitzgerald.
Source: fis-ski.com
