New Skiing Hero Born With Historic First Win At Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup 2023/24

The Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup 2023/24 has provided much-needed entertainment for alpine skiing lovers. The prestigious event has been in full flow for the last few weeks in different parts of Europe. As Val d’Isere, France holds the men’s giant slalom race, the world saw a new hero rise to the top.

With snowy track and gloomy skies, the top contenders of the giant slalom race faced severe challenges down the hill. But the challenge was the same for everyone as Andorran skier used adversity to his advantage, leaving a star-studded lineup behind him.

New skiing hero born at Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup

Joan Verdu scripted history in the men’s giant slalom event today at the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup. Finishing 3rd on the podium, he became the first person from Andorra to secure a World Cup podium finish. Additionally, it marked Verdu’s maiden podium finish as well.

It truly marked a proud moment for Andorra, and the skier himself. He was superb throughout the race, more so in the second half of the run. Despite the falling snow and low visibility, Joan Verdu managed to keep himself in top-five throughout the majority of the race. He clocked a time of 2:14:25, missing the top spot by just 1.32 seconds.

The first place was secured by the Swiss star Marco Odermatt. Odermatt secured his fourth consecutive World Cup giant slalom victory, and 25th overall. Trailing him by 0.98 seconds, Marco Schwarz secured the 2nd place. With one more giant slalom race left, Verdu will stand as one of the favorites along with Odermatt to seal the top spot, aiming to add more stars to his skiing career.

Verdu’s Alpine Skiing Career

Joan Verdu Sanchez made his debut in 2010. He soon braced for the French National Championships in 2012 and went on to finish 3rd. The 28-year-old kept improving and secured another 3rd place at the Super-G in the 2012 Winter Youth Olympics. Recognizing his exemplary talent, Verdu was soon selected for the 2014 Winter Olympics.

READ MORE: Mikaela Shiffrin’s Victory Run Abruptly Interrupted At St. Moritz Amid Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup 2023/24

Although Verdu didn’t win any medal in the Winter Olympics, he has now made his nation proud in the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup 2023/24. The prestigious event still has one more giant slalom race left, and he will aim to bring more glory to his people back home.

Watch this story: “Only Confidence I Wanna Have”: With ESPY Added to Her Long-List of Accomplishments Mikaela Shiffrin Shares a Heart-Felt Confession