Stephens Third in Veysonnaz Giant Slalom
The U.S. Para Alpine Ski Team kicked off the second phase of their season in Veysonnaz, Switzerland, where Laurie Stephens landed on her first podium of the season in the giant slalom.
The event brought the largest field of athletes seen so far this season, increasing the level and depth of the competition. It was an overcast day on the course, causing flat light and shadows throughout, which proved challenging for many competitors, seeing a high number of DNFs and DSQs.
Seven time Paralympic medalist Laurie Stephens led the way for the U.S. women, finishing third in the women’s sitting event. This is Stephens' first World Cup podium of the season, adding to her impressive repertoire of achievements. In the women’s standing event, Allie Johnson finished ninth.
On the men’s side, Ravi Drugan finished 14th in the men’s sitting event. Patrick Halgren was 16th in the men’s standing event, followed by Spencer Wood in 18th. Andrew Haraghey, Andrew Kurka and Matthew Brewer did not finish.
The team takes on another giant slalom in Veysonnaz on Tuesday, Jan. 23, slated to begin at 3:30 a.m. ET.
Laurie Stephens
Laurie Stephens was born and raised in New England and hails from Wenham, Massachusetts. Stephens was born with spina bifida and found skiing at age 12 when she joined a group of athletes with disabilities who skied at Loon Mountain in New Hampshire. This experience led her to start racing at age 15 and join Chris Devlin-Young’s New England Disabled Ski Team. In 2004 at age 20, Stephens had already become the overall and giant slalom world cup champion in her rookie season.