South American Cup Women’s GS podiums Photo Miha Kürner
Back-to-back wins and career-best results showcase the U.S. women’s giant slalom depth in Argentina.
Bocock Leads Day One American 1-2
On Aug. 11, 21-year-old Mary Bocock — already a three-event World Cup veteran — powered to victory, earning the best FIS result of her career. She led a one-two American finish, with teammate Liv Moritz just 0.25 seconds back in second and also securing a career-best mark. Italy’s Elisa Platino, a 26-year-old World Cup veteran, rounded out the podium 0.35 back.
U.S. independent Galena Wardle finished just off the podium in fourth, 0.83 back, underscoring the depth of American giant slalom skiing.
Grosdidier Claims First Continental Cup Victory
A day later, the spotlight shifted to another 21-year-old American. Tatum Grosdidier claimed her first-ever Continental Cup victory, first Continental Cup GS podium, and career-best FIS result. She beat Argentina’s home-country star and World Cup veteran Francesca Baruzzi Farriol by 0.45 seconds, with Italy’s Francesca Fanti, 26, taking third at 0.94 back.
Storm Klomhaus, a U.S. independent and former Stifel U.S. Ski Team member, finished fourth. Logan Grosdidier placed fifth, while her teammates — and twin sisters — Kjersti and Liv Moritz took ninth and 10th.
Bocock nearly repeated her day-one success, leading through the first two splits of her second run before going off course in the final sector. Her skiing showed she remains a threat for more victories.
Coach Kürner Praises Team’s Progress
“This year’s Ushuaia camp was a huge success for our Europa Cup team,” said Miha Kürner, head women’s Europa Cup tech coach. “The challenging conditions pushed the athletes to improve quickly, and their determination showed in every session. We even decided to enter races last minute because of how fast they progressed — and the results proved it was the right call.”
U.S. Men Add to Podium Count
While the American women led the way, the U.S. men also made their mark in Ushuaia. On day one, Stifel U.S. Ski Team World Cup speed skier Kyle Negomir placed seventh, and Bradshaw Underhill of Middlebury College followed in eighth.
The second day brought even stronger results. Justin Bigatel of the University of Colorado surged to second place, while Underhill improved to fourth, giving the U.S. another pair of top-five finishes to close out the giant slalom races.
The combined results from both days underscored the depth of American giant slalom skiing, with victories, podiums, and top finishes across the men’s and women’s fields. With slalom races still to come in Ushuaia, the U.S. squad will look to carry its momentum into the next test.
About the Author: Peter Lange
