On January 21, 2025, Switzerland’s Sue Piller made waves at the Torino 2025 FISU World University Games by claiming her second gold medal in the women’s slalom event. Her stunning performance, characterized by speed and precision, captivated the audience and left many in awe. Representing the Swiss Federal Institute of Sport, the 19-year-old athlete clocked an impressive time of 1:19.14, narrowly beating her fellow Swiss compatriot, Amélie Klopfenstein, who finished with a time of 1:19.28. Klopfenstein’s result was hard-fought, as she edged out Margherita Cecere from Italy by a mere hundredth of a second, securing the silver medal in a tense competition.
Despite her victory, Piller maintained a humble perspective regarding her performance. “The slalom run is not my best discipline,” she stated, showcasing her modesty. “The crazy part is I did not have any training for this.” Her ability to excel in a discipline she did not consider her strongest reflects her exceptional talent and determination. This victory not only solidified her status as a key athlete in the Games but also highlighted the unpredictability and excitement of competitive sports.
An especially heartwarming aspect of the day came from the enthusiastic presence of local students from Bardonecchia Primary School, who added a layer of joy to the event. Their cheers reverberated through the stands as they celebrated the athletes’ achievements. For Piller, the encouragement from the children resonated deeply. “I found it so cute seeing the children in the stands cheering for us. I really hope they are inspired to see me and all the other athletes ski,” she remarked, highlighting the connection between athletes and young fans.
Mikaela, a tutor from the school, emphasized the significance of such sporting events for the development of the students. “We live in a town where snow is important, and skiing is a big part of our lives,” she explained. The chance for children to witness elite athletes competing showcased the world of sports beyond just skiing, offering them a broader perspective of physical excellence.
Many of the children in attendance were already learning to ski, with one student named Linda expressing her enthusiasm: “It was so exciting.” Another second-grader, Mateo, shared insights on how observing the athletes navigate the slalom course broadened his experience. “Seeing the athletes ski between the poles is important because I have never seen this type of skiing,” he noted. This kind of engagement from the youth affirms the vital role that sporting events play in inspiring future generations.
Meanwhile, Margherita Cecere, Italy’s own champion, added to the excitement by securing another bronze medal, marking her second podium finish in Torino 2025 after previously winning a medal in the giant slalom. Competing on her home soil at Bardonecchia’s Campo Smith, the audience erupted with loud cheers, celebrating her determination and skill. Young aspiring skiers like Viktoria, also a student from the local primary school, voiced her dreams of pursuing alpine skiing professionally for Italy, inspired by Cecere’s achievements. “This is an important race for Italy, and I dream of being a professional alpine skier one day,” she shared, embodying the hope and ambition fostered by the event.
As the alpine skiing competitions at the Torino 2025 World University Games wrap up, with the men’s slalom scheduled for January 22, the atmosphere remains vibrant with athletic spirit and community engagement. Events like these not only showcase elite-level sportsmanship but also reinforce FISU’s mission to develop not just athletes but also a generation of informed sports enthusiasts. The Young Reporters Programme further exemplifies FISU’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of sports journalists, ensuring that the legacy of such multi-sport competitions continues far beyond the games themselves.
