Thomas learns plenty under bright lights

Big Air NSW Institute of Sport freeskier Daisy Thomas missed out on qualifying for finals at the first FIS World Cup Big Air event of the new year in a stadium event in Klagenfurt, Austria after finishing 11th . . . but the teenager gained plenty of experience from her performance.

Competing under lights for the first time in her career, the 17-year-old Youth Olympic Games medallist (photographed on left) performed two double backflip 1080’s spinning in both directions at Woerthersee Stadium. Her first jump scored 68.60 points, her second 54.40.

Thomas’s two jump total came to 123 points and a ranking of 11th. She missed a berth in the eight-woman final by only 14.8 points.

“It’s a very different and new setup for me in Austria,” said Thomas of her performance. “First time hitting a city big air and first time training and competing at nighttime.

“The jump was definitely a bit sketchy compared to what I’m used to, but I’m happy that I was able to put down both ways double 10s in a contest.

“Despite not skiing my best, I am feeling really confident leading into the next Big Air competition in Kreischberg. I’m hoping to clean up my tricks and really show everyone my potential in the next few competitions.”

Also in action for Australia was Abi Harrigan in 14th, and Joey Ellis who was 42nd in the men’s event.

Story courtesy of Olympic Winter Institute of Australia