There is a famously friendly atmosphere among freestyle skiers and Daisy Thomas, already part of the senior circuit, believes that is because encouraging each other to pull off increasingly difficult tricks gives the collective of athletes a higher profile.

“I don’t view the other girls as rivals, we are happy to see each other do well and are extremely supportive,” Daisy said.

“That’s a nice part of the sport. I was an alpine skier when I was younger and it was more of a competitive environment.

“In free ski, if you land a new trick you are helping the sport, helping everyone. We want the sport to keep progressing, so we love trying new things, and that’s what creates that atmosphere. We have a great time and carry on doing tricks after the competition finishes.”

The Sydney athlete, 16, is therefore setting goals that are more emotional than medal-driven at the Gangwon 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games.

“I chase an adrenaline rush, the buzz in your head from trying new tricks,” she said.

“It’s hard to describe how good it feels when you try one and get it right. The feeling is right through your body. You are on a high. When you go big, get your grab, it’s incredible.

“I have goals in terms of tricks I want to do. I want to put together a run I’m proud of. But it will also be great to meet new people and look at the Korean culture.”

Daisy is one of just a handful of freestyle skiers at Gangwon 2024 who have had senior experience. Her close friend Flora Tabanelli (ITA) is another who is expected to shine, as are Muriel Mohr (GER), Piper Arnold (USA), Han Linshan (CHN) and Kathryn Gray (USA).

Free skiers at the Winter Youth Olympic Games have often gone on to global acclaim, with Eileen Gu (CHN) an example from Lausanne 2020. At Gangwon 2024, 153 freestyle skiers will compete across the slopestyle, big air, halfpipe, moguls and cross disciplines. The halfpipe events will conclude the competition on Wednesday 31 January.

The events come with their dangers – like Formula One or short track, a potential crash is part of the experience – but Daisy is focusing on the positives.

“I work with my coach on dealing with crashes,” she said. “If you stuff up your first run, you need to forget about it and focus. I want to have a good time and enjoy this.”

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