Wanaka freeskier Luca Harrington has clocked up some massive airtime in the Lausanne 2020 halfpipe to claim a bronze medal at the Winter Youth Olympic Games.
The 15-year-old placed first in the halfpipe qualification round and came out swinging in the finals, posting a best score of 80.66 to secure the bronze medal.
“Everything went to plan, the pipe was good, the sun was out and it was a great day. It was amazing out there and I’m just super grateful,” said Harrington.
Andrew Longino from Canada placed first with a score of 94.00, while Hunter Carey from the USA took silver with a score of 86.00.
New Zealand also took out fourth place with Max McDonald scoring 76.00.
Harrington placed 10th in the men’s slopestyle yesterday and says that spurred him on to the podium result.
“I got pretty nervous at the top of the halfpipe but as soon as I dropped in everything disappeared from my mind except me, my skis and the pipe. I’m so happy with how everything went today.”
Harrington is now even more driven to achieve his goal of competing at the next Winter Olympic Games.
“Beijing 2022 is the dream so I’ll be training everyday until then.”
Harrington learnt to ski aged five in Wanaka and has been doing tricks ever since.
He‘ll compete in the big air event tomorrow alongside freeskiers Ben Barclay and Max McDonald, as well as snowboarder Mitch Davern.
The bronze medal is New Zealand's first individual medal of the Games, following the gold and bronze won in the mixed nation ice hockey by Katya Blong and Axel Ruski-Jones.
In the days other competition Campbell Wright placed 32nd in the 10K cross country classic.
Will Becker was also in action in the mixed nation curling, going down 10-5 to the Russia/France team.
Winter Youth Olympic Games coverage is available on Sky Sport.
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