Aussies sweep top four on historic day at aerial World Cup meeting in Utah
Four Aussies have swept the top four finishing spots in the aerial skiing competition at the FIS aerials World Cup event in Deer Valley on a historic day for the Flying Kangaroos.
Veteran Laura Peel claimed her third-straight victory and 12th of her career, ahead of defending champion Danielle Scott, Abbey Willcoz and Airleigh Frigo.
It was the first time Australia's had swept the podium in any winter sport, let alone the top four, and put the world on notice less than a year out from the 2026 Winter Olympics.
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Laura Peel took top spot and extended her lead in the standings. U.S. Ski and Snowboard/Getty Ima
It's also the first time a single nation has swept an aerials World Cup podium since Xu Mengtao, Shao Qi and Xu Nuo did it for China at Lake Placid in 2019.
After a double at Lake Beauport last week, Peel's third victory in a row extends her lead at the top of the standings.
"I am really happy to have the yellow leader's bib," Peel said.
"We are halfway through the season now, and three back-to-back-wins is super exciting, and tonight was so special having an Aussie sweep of the podium, and Airleigh as well in fourth place."
The win comes in difficult conditions on the 2002 Winter Olympics site. Warm conditions led to the cancellation of two training days, and heavy, wet snowfall also forced the afternoon qualifying session to be delayed until the final night session.
The Australian contingent that swept the top four from L-R: Laura Peel, Danielle Scott, Abbey Willcox and Airleigh Frigo. Chris Hocking/OWIA
The Aussies moved into contention after Tasia Tanner (USA) and Anhelina Brykina (Ukraine) both landed heavily on their final jumps.
Tanner under-rotated and face planted into the snow, and slid motionless down the slope. Thankfully, she gingerly got to her feet at the bottom with some releave, to a large cheer from the crowd.
All four Aussies landed back full-fulls with the final jumps.
"This is the best. Congrats girls," 2010 Olympic Champion Lydia Lassila posted on Instagram.
Tasia Tanner crashed heavily. Getty
In a separate Instagram post, Winter Olympic chef de misson Alisa Camplin said it was an "unbelievable" result for Austrlaian skiing.
"It doesn't get any better than this," Camplin wrote.
"What a magnificent performance by our hardworking resilient women, who showed such versatility and focus during tough weather conditions on the 2002 Winter Olympic jump site.
"Congratulations to the entire Australian Aerial Skiing program staff, who have worked tirelessly and with such dedication to excellence, for so long! I couldn't be more thrilled for you all — enjoy."
The next World Cup event is in China on February 23-24 at Beidahu ski resort.
