Wānaka teen claims world title on debut

Wānaka freeskier Finley Melville Ives has put down an impressive run to claim the world freeski halfpipe world title in his world championship debut.

The 18-year-old was in disbelief after taking the win at the FIS Freestyle Ski and Snowboarding World Championships in Corvatsch, Switzerland.

"Honestly, I am in shock. I can’t believe I landed my run, I am so hyped," he said.

"The pipe is so good, I am so thankful the weather is good, thanks to everyone for coming out – I just can’t believe it, it’s so sick."

Finley Melville Ives in action during his world title-winning freeski halfpipe run at the FIS World Championships in Switzerland. Photo: Christian Stadler / FIS Park & Pipe

The top qualifier for today's finals, Melville Ives put down what is being labelled as one of the best runs ever landed in a freeski halfpipe competition, on his first of two runs.

His run began with a switch right double cork 1080 Japan, then a left double cork 1620 mute, a left alley-oop double flatspin 1080 mute, a switch left double cork 1080 Japan, before ending with a right double cork 1620 safety.

The judges awarded him a huge score of 96.00, which took him straight to the top of the leaderboard after run one.

The other 11 athletes, including fellow Central Otago athlete Luke Harrold (Lake Hāwea, 16), had just one run left to attempt to top Melville Ives’ score. Despite their best efforts, no one was able to beat Melville Ives’ first run, and the new world champion took a victory lap for his final run.

Men’s Freeski Halfpipe World Champs Podium. [L-R] Nick Goepper (USA) silver, Finley Melville Ives (NZL) gold, Alex Ferreira (USA) bronze. Photo: Christian Stadler / FIS Park & Pipe

Decorated American slopestyle athlete turned halfpipe skier Nick Goepper finished in second place, with two-time Olympic halfpipe medalist Alex Ferreira, also of the USA, rounding out the podium in third.

Melville Ives was thrilled to share the podium with Goepper and Ferreira.

"They’re both my idols, so I honestly can’t believe it. I’m so stoked to share the podium with them," he said.

Harrold finished in fourth position today after being bumped out of podium position by Goepper in run two. Nevertheless, Harrold made history by putting down the first switch left alley-oop triple cork 1260 mute ever landed in competition during his second run.

Mischa Thomas (Auckland, 17) competed in the women’s freeski halfpipe finals today, finishing in ninth place at her first major international event.