Wānaka freeski athlete Luca Harrington has continued a strong weekend for New Zealand snow sports, finishing third at the FIS Freeski Big Air World Cup in Steamboat, Colorado, today (December 14).

The 21-year-old’s result marks his seventh consecutive Big Air World Cup podium and his third in a row this season, underlining his consistency on the international circuit.

Despite the podium finish, Luca said he was aiming higher. “To be honest, I was looking for a bit more today, I had a great training and a good plan but didn’t really perform my best when it came down to it, but in saying that, I could not be more grateful to be back on the podium for the third time this season,” he said.

Luca opened with a switch right triple corked 1800 esco grab, followed by a right triple corked 1980 safety grab, but a heavy landing and hand touch led to a points deduction.

Under pressure in the final run, Luca repeated the triple 1980 with a critical grab, landing it cleanly to score 84.50 and secure third place with a combined 172.75.

“It didn’t quite [go] to plan today from run one,” he said. “I was feeling the pressure going into that last run but still managed to put it down when it really mattered.”

Americans Troy Podmilsak and Konnor Ralph finished first and second respectively. 

Luca’s next major event is the invite-only Aspen X Games in January.

PHOTO: Andrew Wevers / FIS Park & Pipe