Upper Clutha teenagers Finley Melville Ives and Luke Harrold have made history on the world stage, finishing first and second at the FIS Freeski Halfpipe World Cup in Secret Garden, China, today (Saturday December 13).

Finley (19) claimed the win, while Luke (17) secured second place, marking the first time two New Zealanders have ever shared a World Cup halfpipe podium in either freeski or snowboard.

The result caps off a remarkable day, with two athletes who grew up training in the Upper Clutha pushing each other to the top of an international field.

“I honestly have no words. It was such tricky conditions today, everyone skied so well, and it was really gnarly...so I honestly can't believe it. Super surreal,” Findley said.

Fourteen men advanced to the two-run final, putting pressure on athletes to land a strong opening run. 

Finley delivered immediately, dropping in first and posting a 90.00-point score with unmatched consistency and height. The score stood as the best of the day, matched only by Finley in his second run.

Luke entered the final as the top qualifier and dropped last in both runs. After his first run he sat second on 88.00 points, just two behind his Upper Clutha teammate. 

In his final run, Luke lifted his score to 89.00, but it was not enough to displace Finley from the top step.

The win is Finley’s second World Cup victory, following his breakthrough win in Canada earlier this year. For Luke, it is his second World Cup podium, having also finished second at the same event in 2023 when he was just 15.

American Hunter Hess finished third.

Watch Finley's run here.

PHOTO: Li Runsheng / FIS Park & Pipe