Vail’s Thomas Walsh made it bookend bronze medals at the 2019 World Para Alpine Skiing Championships on Thursday, taking third in the super combined in Sella Nevea, Italy.
Walsh started Worlds by winning bronze last week in the giant slalom, the opening race of the event in Kranjska Gora, Slovenia, last week. Walsh accounted for two of America’s three medals at the Championships. Laurie Stephens of Wenham, Massachusetts, also finished third in the women’s super-combi.
“I am so ecstatic,” Walsh said. “I don’t think today was the best skiing but I put two runs together and was happy to walk away with a bronze.”
Happy birthday
Walsh turned 24 early this week and there’s no better way to celebrate than with another World Championship podium.
“This has been a phenomenal experience,” Walsh said. “It was really interesting with some of the weather delays but it ended up being all worth the wait. I’m so happy that I got the chance to ski slalom. Unfortunately, I had a DNF earlier in the week but I stuck one down and was able to show I could do it today.”
The super combined was originally scheduled for Friday but moved up because of inclement weather. The format of the event was super-G and slalom.
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Walsh finished fifth at the Paralympic Winter Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea, last winter, and has clearly elevated his game with his memorable performances at Worlds, and had gratitude for all of his fans back home.
“I love you all. Thank you so much for all the support,” he said. “I know it’s hard because I’m away from home a lot but this one’s for you, Papa. I love you, Mom, Marley, Auntie Kim, and everybody. Grammy, I miss you, and thanks so much for letting me come and do this and supporting this my whole life.”
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Walsh and the U.S. Team will return to the world cup circuit in Veysonnaz, Switzerland, from Feb. 6-10 with super-G and giant slalom races. For event and behind-the-scenes coverage, follow U.S. Paralympics Alpine Skiing on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. |
