The stage was set this morning in Steinach am Brenner, Austria for the first Para alpine World Cup of the season, where Andrew Kurka led the way for the Stifel U.S. Para Alpine Ski Tea, finishing fourth in super-G.
It was a beautiful bluebird day with a perfect compact racing surface to kick off the season in Austria. The women started the action, and Saylor O’Brien put down a consistent run to finish fifth overall in her first World Cup start in over a year.
On the men’s side, Kurka finished just 0.6 seconds off the podium in fourth place in the men’s sitting class. Matthew Brewer was just behind, finishing eighth. Patrick Halgren shined in the men’s standing classification, earning one of his best World Cup finishes in fifth.
“It feels like the universe is conspiring to help me achieve my dreams! To start this well is an omen that means there is more to come; Para alpine is such a commitment-based sport, so anything that boosts confidence is huge,” said Halgren. “[Moving forward] I’ll be focusing on consistency, and that starts with mobility. Health is wealth, and I’m going to be rich when I’m covered in gold!!”
Spencer Wood ended the day in 16th, followed by Andrew Haraghey in 17th, Jesse Keefe in 18th, and Tyler McKenzie 20th.
Next up, the team takes on alpine combined tomorrow, Dec. 12 in Steinach am Brenner starting at 4:00 a.m. ET.
RESULTS
Men
Women
