Aerial Skier Laura Peel has finished 2020 on top after winning gold at the Krasnoyarsk World Cup, taking home the overall Crystal Globe, while Jakara Anthony and Belle Brockhoff won world cup silver and bronze in their events respectively.
It was the first time an Australian has won a aerial skiing Crystal Globe in over a decade, the last being five-time Olympian and Vancouver 2010 Olympic Champion, Lydia Lassila in 2009.
In Krasnoyarsk, the new World No.1 scored 96.99 to place her ahead of China's Xi Sicun and America's Ashley Caldwell and secured the Canberra native her first Crystal Globe.
The two-time Olympian's most recent world cup gold was her second of the season, adding to her silver and bronze already won earlier in the season.
“It’s hard to put it into words at the moment, I honestly couldn’t be happier right now," Peel said of finishing her season as World No.1
“It’s my first globe and it’s been almost 10 years working towards it. I have a great team around me and I’m super stoked with the result today.”
In winning gold, the performance marks the 13th World Cup podium of the 30-year-old athlete's career (4 gold, 4 silver, 5 bronze).
The Aussies continued to dominate the podium, with Jakara Anthony winning dual moguls silver in Russia and snowboard cross athlete, Belle Brockhoff claiming bronze in Sierra Nevada, Spain.
For Anthony, the podium result is her fourth medal of the season and she is ranked second on the World Cup standings with two events remaining.
“It was incredible to claim another world cup silver medal tonight in Russia,” Anthony commented after the race.
“It was the coldest weather we’ve had all season so that definitely made it challenging, but the course was in good shape and I was able to make some good progress in some areas I've been struggling with."
Brockhoff also claimed her fourth podium appearance of the season, after an impressive return from injury this season. She is also currently ranked second on the World Cup standings, with one event remaining.
“I am super happy with the result here in Spain” Brockhoff said after landing on the podium.
“Last time l was here three years ago I ruptured my ACL for the first time, so this is a big win for me regardless of the medal colour.”
“I’ve had my best season ever and I’ve worked so hard for it these last two years. I’m very excited to see what I can do next year and I’m looking forward to more hard work after this season."
OWIA/olympics.com.au
