As the curtain fell on the 2023/24 FIS Freestyle World Cup season, the picturesque slopes of Chiesa in Valmalenco, Italy were the stage for a spectacular finale on Saturday 16 March. After a world tour that lasted almost four months, the competition made its long-awaited return to Europe, culminating in a thrilling showdown on the “Dosso” course in Alpe Palu. With a rich history of hosting top FIS competitions, Valmalenco once again proved to be the perfect setting for the climax of the season, welcoming athletes and fans to a venue that has become a cornerstone of the world of winter sports.
This year’s return to Chiesa at Valmalenko was particularly significant, marking the venue’s resurgence as a hub on the World Cup circuit, particularly for the dual moguls event, which made its first appearance here since 2008, just two years ago. The anticipation was palpable as the athletes prepared to take on the challenges of the ‘Dosso’ course, setting the stage for a day full of intense competition and memorable performances.
The competition was played in spades, showcasing moments of absolute brilliance and athletic excellence. Jakara Anthony was the standout, picking up her 14th win of the season and completing an outstanding Moguls hat trick. Her Chiesa triumph in Valmalenko secured the world doubles moguls, overall worlds moguls and, to top off her earlier success, the worlds singles moguls from Almaty. Anthony’s season has been nothing short of amazing, a testament to her dominance of the sport and her ability to perform at the highest level when it matters most. Adding to her impressive record this season, Jakara Anthony earned exactly CHF 192,750.00 in prize money, setting a new record for any athlete in freestyle and snowboard competitions.
Jaelin Kauf’s resilience and competitive spirit also shone brightly throughout the season. Finishing second in all three mogul rankings, Kauf’s performances were a highlight of the season, showcasing the fierce competition and camaraderie that define the mogul skiing community. Remarkably, Kauf secured second place for the ninth time this season.
Elizabeth Lemley (USA) finished third on the day, while Olivia Giaccio (USA) completed the podium in both the dual moguls and overall moguls rankings, celebrating an outstanding season that marks the best of the 23-year-old’s career to date.