Luke Harrold (Lake Hāwea, 14) has secured the silver medal at the World Rookie Tour Freeski Slopestyle finals held in Italy. This marks Harrold’s fourth podium finish this Northern Hemisphere season, a phenomenal achievement from the young freeskier.
Harrold said, “I am happy to be on the podium, I think I was capable of doing a bit better than I did so I am already looking forward to coming back and getting redemption next year!”
Although it was a pared back run for Harrold, he still landed an impressive jump combination that included back-to-back right and left double cork 1440s on the second and third jumps and spun all four directions on the jumps and rails throughout his run.
Brad Prosser, Snow Sports NZ National Development Freeski Coach explained that “The course in general was a little tough for the lighter, smaller athletes. Both Luke and Cooper are reasonably light, so speed became an issue with the uphill wind. Despite the adverse conditions, they both landed runs which is a huge accomplishment, I am proud of them both.”
Cooper Breen (Queenstown, 13) was also competing in the Freeski Slopestyle finals today, finishing in a very respectable fifth place.
Breen said, “It was hard for me to clear the jumps with the wind and the inconsistent speeds, I managed to put a full run down which I am pleased about, but I definitely had a lot more in me.”
watch the video
https://www.youtube.com/clip/Ugkxk1XnAeLA6AFRy9SgRUtZRoNzuBxcoQTd
The World Rookie Tour Freeski Slopestyle final wraps up a hugely successful competition season for Harrold. He will be coming home to New Zealand with four podium results from five competition starts – two gold and a bronze in halfpipe and his silver in slopestyle from today.
