Winter Youth Olympic Games: Three Bronze Medals for New Zealand in Big Air

Three Central Otago teenagers have helped New Zealand to its most successful ever day at the Winter Youth Olympic Games.

Luke Harrold (freeski), Lucia Georgalli (snowboard) and Campbell Melville Ives (snowboard) each won a bronze medal on Big Air finals day at Welli Helli Ski Resort in South Korea.

Harrold opened the account for the Kiwis, stomping a right double cork 1440 with a safety grab in his first run. The 15-year-old backed that up with a left double cork 1440 with a stale grab in his second run for a solid score of 172.25.

“It’s a pretty amazing feeling, I’ve been working towards this competition for a while and to come out with third place is a dream,” said Harrold.

“Training went well, the weather was great, and the jump was really nice so the whole competition flowed really nicely.”

Georgalli was up next in the women’s snowboard, looking to add to the silver medal she won earlier in the week in slopestyle.

The 17-year-old Wānaka athlete landed a backside 900, followed by a frontside 720 in her third run to secure the podium spot. 

“I didn’t really expect to medal,” said Georgalli.

“I’m kind of in disbelief but it’s awesome and I’m really stoked.”

17-year-old Campbell Melville Ives rounded out the day for New Zealand.

The Wānaka athlete landed a cab 1440 with an indy grab in his first run, backing it up with a switch back 1260 in his second.

“I’m pretty stoked, it was a great competition,” said Melville Ives.

“I love riding with all these guys and it was so great to see everyone putting down their tricks.”

Melville Ives and Harrold will compete in the men’s halfpipe on January 31st, while Georgalli now travels back to New Zealand before heading to the Northern Hemisphere World Cup circuit.