Perrine Laffont Triumphs in Ruka After Year-Long Hiatus
French freestyle skier Perrine Laffont made a stunning return to the World Cup circuit by clinching victory at the season opener in Ruka, Finland, on November 30, 2024. The 26-year-old Olympic moguls champion, who took a break from competition last winter, scored an impressive 81.13 points, outpacing Australia's Jakara Anthony, the reigning Olympic champion, who finished with 80.00 points. American Olivia Giaccio secured third place with a score of 76.95 points.
Laffont's performance was marked by her exceptional technique and speed, showcasing her ability to navigate the moguls with precision. In the first round of the finals, she established a two-point lead over Anthony, demonstrating her prowess with a score of 79.42 compared to Anthony's 77.51. Although her jumps in the grand final were slightly lower than Anthony's, her superior speed and control on the turns allowed her to claim victory.
Emotional Return to Competition
The victory was particularly poignant for Laffont, who expressed her emotional journey back to the sport. "I don't really know what to say, it was very hard for me to come back to competition," she shared, visibly moved on the podium. "I can't believe it. It's a lot of emotions, I'm super happy." After a mentally exhausting season in 2022-2023, Laffont took time off to recharge before deciding to return, admitting she felt a significant void during her absence.
Looking Ahead to Future Competitions
With this victory marking her 31st World Cup win, Laffont is now focused on the upcoming World Championships in March, which will be a key target for her this winter. Additionally, she is setting her sights on the next Olympic Games in Milan in 2026, signaling her intent to remain a formidable presence in the sport. The competition landscape has been warned: the champion is back and ready to reclaim her title.
keywords:[
