A silver medal to Nathan Johnstone has led three top six results in Italy by Australian halfpipe snowboarders overnight.
Competing in the Torino 2006 Olympic pipe in Bardonecchia, Johnstone produced the second podium appearance of his fledgling career, while AIS team-mate Holly Crawford finished in fourth place in the women’s event, two spots ahead of fellow New South Wales rider Torah Bright.
Johnstone scored 43.5 points to finish behind 2007 world champion Mathieu Crepel of France, who posted 47.0 point for his best run.
Louri Podladtchikov of Switzerland was third on 42.8 points.
The 18-year-old Perisher Blue rider has now collected silver and bronze from just five World Cup appearances.
“I had a really good day,” Johnstone said. “I’m super stoked.”
“The pipe was really good today, and I’m just looking forward to getting to Cypress and having another good result.”
Ben Mates, a Torino 2006 Olympian, finished in 14th place, with a best score in the semi-final of 35.0 points.
The women’s field in Bardonecchia was one of the best assembled this season, with 2002 Olympic champion Kelly Clark, 2006 gold medallist Hannah Teter and two other Winter Games medallists in the line-up.
US riders swept the podium, Clark taking the gold with 45.1 points from Teter on 43.2 points and Torino silver medallist Gretchen Bleiler on 39.4.
Crawford scored 36.3 points for her fourth place, while Bright registered 29.6 points.
Bright struggled in the pipe in the final, but earlier in the day had produced a 42.9 point ride to win the semi-final round.
Crawford, 24, who finished second in the 2009 World Championships two weeks ago, had won her way directly into the Bardonecchia final from her opening qualifying heat, scoring 41.9 points. Continuing her comeback from injury, AIS rider Hannah Trigger was well back in 31st place.
The same field is expected to line up in Cypress Mountain, Vancouver, next weekend in what will be a dress rehearsal next February’s 2010 Winter Olympic Games.
Athlete Audio
To listen to audio from Nathan Johnstone and Holly Crawford following the event, please click here
