FREESTYLE SKIING: Cameron Waddell wasn’t quite able to put down the ski halfpipe run he wanted at Lillehammer 2016 but the slopestyle specialist was upbeat after pulling off some big tricks.

Waddell, who followed in the footsteps of his brother Thomas who competed in the event at Innsbruck 2012, finished ninth overall in the 11 man field.

The Jindabyne based dare devil secured his best score of 45.80 on his opening run but couldn’t improve from there.

“I did ok, I didn’t manage to put down the run I wanted but I gave it my best shot,” Waddell said.

“Hopefully I can put my halfpipe run down at the next competition I go to.”

Having been able to compete in the event as a result of qualifying for the slopestyle competition, Waddell has only had limited experience in the pipe.

“It’s my 11th day skiing in the halfpipe today so it’s all good. 

“I’ve kind of been scared of it but this event has given me a bit more confidence to go for it.”

The youngster will now turn his attention to his favoured slopestyle competition which he has been building for.

“I’m really looking forward to competing in slopestyle. There are a lot of good kids competing so it will be really good.

“It looks awesome so hopefully it all goes well.”

17 young Aussie athletes have been given the opportunity of a lifetime at the Lillehammer 2016 Winter Youth Olympic Games and the moment certainly wasn’t lost on Waddell. 

“I’m so glad I’m able to come to Norway to compete. It’s just amazing that someone like me from Australia can do this.”

Waddell will take to the Lillehammer 2016 slopestyle course on Saturday 20 February. 

Matt Bartolo
olympics.com.au