The giant slalom, a fundamental discipline in alpine skiing, holds a special place in the hearts of skiers worldwide. It serves as the foundation upon which athletes can build their skills before advancing to other skiing specialties. This principle was exemplified during the men’s giant slalom event at the FISU World University Games held in Torino, Italy, on Sunday, January 19, 2025. The race was a remarkable showcase of diversity and talent, featuring 118 student-athletes representing 42 countries from across five different continents.
The picturesque Bardonecchia Melezet ski venue, known for hosting events in the 2006 Winter Olympics, provided the backdrop for the competitive proceedings. The start list for this highly anticipated event stood out not only for its size but also for its diversity, which is rarely matched by other skiing disciplines like slalom. In a sport traditionally associated with cold, mountainous regions, it was noteworthy to see participants from countries that typically lack significant winter sports infrastructure.
One important aspect of this event was the representation from Europe, significantly outnumbering other regions with 28 countries participating. Asia followed with seven countries, South America contributed three, while North America and Oceania each had two representatives. Remarkably, the only continent absent was Africa, alongside Antarctica, highlighting the global charm the FISU World University Games has cultivated.
Commenting on the event’s atmosphere, Hugh McAdam, an Australian skier who finished in 13th place, emphasized the camaraderie amongst participants from around the globe. He reflected on the unique experiences of dining alongside athletes from countries like Japan, Italy, and France, creating an enriching cultural exchange that adds layers to the competition. At 24 years of age, McAdam balances his rigorous training and racing schedule mostly in Europe while managing academic responsibilities back in Thredbo, Australia. His adaptability speaks to the flexibility of his university, allowing him to pursue both his education and athletic career concurrently.
Faiz Basha, a 22-year-old competitor from Singapore, shared similar sentiments about the inclusivity witnessed at the Games. Although Singapore lacks mountains for skiing, he has competed with European racers extensively. His experience in dedicated training locations like Geneva, Switzerland, instilled in him a passion for the sport that has proved to be inescapable. Basha’s journey from a non-skiing country to participating in events like giant slalom serves as a testament to how alpine skiing can connect diverse cultures despite geographical barriers.
The day culminated with Spain’s Aleix Aubert Serracanta claiming victory in this fiercely contested event with an impressive finishing time of 2:02.72. Despite a slight mishap during his second run, Aubert Serracanta’s determination secured him a lead of over a second against his competitors. The 19-year-old student from Open University of Catalunya expressed his enthusiasm for the diverse range of participants present at Torino. He noted that races across Europe typically lack the same level of global representation, and he relishes the opportunity to compete alongside a blended field of talent.
Following Aubert Serracanta were Swiss teammates Loic Chable and Nick Spoerri, securing second and third places, respectively. Their close finishing times, separated by a mere three hundredths of a second, underscored the intense competitive spirit that characterizes giant slalom events. Chable, studying at the University of Denver and having Brazilian heritage, marked this moment as his second podium finish of the Games after clinching gold in the alpine combined event earlier, further showcasing the variety of backgrounds represented at this international sporting gathering.
In summary, the FISU World University Games not only spotlight elite student-athletes but also celebrate the values of diversity and inclusion within sports. The Young Reporters Programme demonstrates FISU’s commitment to nurturing aspiring sports journalists, adding another enriching layer to this vibrant and multifaceted event.
