Matt Graham has finished the season in style, with back-to-back bronze medal performances at the mogul skiing World Cup final in Almaty, Kazakhstan, this time in the dual moguls event.
The podium result is Graham’s fifth of the season in World Cup events and combined with his spectacular double medal performance at the recent World Championships, a super successful season for the 28-year-old from the NSW Central Coast career.
Graham started the day in great form with victories in the round-of-16 over Benjamin Cavet of France, and in the quarterfinals over Canadian Elliot Vaillancourt, with both runs scored in Graham’s favour 21 points to 14.
In the semi-final, Graham was up against the legendary Mikael Kingsbury of Canada. Graham put up a strong performance, but went down in a score of 21 to 14 in Kingsbury’s favour.
Graham then faced Japanese skier Ikuma Horishima in the dual for third place, with Graham taking the bronze medal 22 to 13.
Kingsbury took the win in the final against Walter Wallberg of Sweden with a score of 22-13, with the silver medal giving Wallberg enough points to just edge Matt Graham for third place in the overall standings, which incorporates results from both disciplines.
Graham has finished the season standings ranked second in moguls, fifth in dual moguls and fourth in the overall moguls.
“Today is a little bittersweet, losing the overall third place on the standings to Walter, but to his credit, he had an amazing season as well,” said the 2022 Olympic silver medallist.
“I am really happy with where I am skiing right now and still really enjoying the sport, so looking forward to coming back next year.”
With the season now complete, Graham reflected on what he has achieved.
“For me personally and our team Deer Valley was a big highlight, in the single moguls we had the double gold with myself and Jakara Anthony, which doesn’t happen too often for Australia, so that was super special. Also, the World Championships in Georgia, with back-to-back medals was another special occasion.”
“All the work I put in during the off season to come back from injury and know that I can still push it against the best guys is really exciting for me.”
Next up in Almaty will be the aerial skiing World Cup final, with Danielle Scott looking to secure her first ever Crystal Globe. Scott is in first place with 382 points, leading Canadian Marion Thenault on 290, with Australian teammate Laura Peel in third on 262.
