Swiss athletes dominate Whistler Cup giant slalom

After an exciting super-G, top junior athletes brought their A-game again for the Whistler Cup U16 giant slalom. In the women’s race, Selina Egloff of Switzerland notched her second straight victory with a combined time of 2:19.35.

“I skied a little bit better in the second run,” said Egloff. “The conditions were better in the second run, and the snow didn’t give in so much.”

Her compatriot Aline Hoepli took the silver, 1.23 seconds off the winning pace, and Tora Hoshizaki of Canada followed for the bronze with a total time of  2:21.62. Even though this was her second career appearance at the Whistler Cup, Hoshizaki was feeling nervous.

“After a while, I got more comfortable and my racing followed through throughout the day,” said Hoshizaki. “This is a great event to introduce athletes from all over the world and find out where you stand internationally.”

Three American women started the race. Zoe Zimmerman of Burke Mountain Academy finished in 11th place. Nicola Rountree-Williams of Ski & Snowboard Club Vail (SSCV) and Georgie Sullivan of Sugar Bowl Academy finished in 15th and 19th, respectively.

In the men’s giant slalom, Callum Cant made it a golden sweep for the Swiss, clocking in at 2:16.63. Diego Holscher of Chile, who competes with Stratton Mountain School, was second with a final time of 2:17.80. There was a tie for third between Canada’s Raphael Lessard, who skis for Burke Mountain Academy, and Andreas Amdahl of Norway with a combined time of 2:18.33. This was Lessard’s second medal in as many days after winning silver in the super-G on Thursday.

U.S. athlete Nico Richeda of Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club was only 0.34 seconds away from the podium in fourth place.  Jack Reich of SSWSC landed in 14th place at the end of the day and Wyatt Hall of SSCV did not finish.

Competition continues Saturday with the U16 men’s and women’s slalom.

Complete women’s results are available here.
Complete men’s results are available here.