Unstoppable Luca Harrington Secures Second Place Finish at Beijing Freeski Big Air World Cup

The unstoppable Luca Harrington (Wānaka, 21) has finished in second place at the FIS Freeski Big Air World Cup in Beijing this evening. 

Harrington explained; “Today we set out with our two goals to get those first two tricks done and getting that first trick done gave me a lot of confidence going into run two. The level of the sport is incredible at the moment and to stay at the top means the world to me. 

This podium marks Harrington’s sixth consecutive Big Air World Cup podium, an exceptional achievement. 

Harrington credits his incredible consistency to self-confidence, saying; “Ever since that first win in Klagenfurt, I just realised that I do belong here and I belong on the podium and that confidence in myself has helped me push myself and push my limits to remain on the podium.”

As the top qualifier through to tonight’s final, Harrington had the advantageous position of being the final athlete to drop into the first and second runs of the three-run final. Big Air format dictates that the two top scoring runs of three, that must be spun in different directions, will be combined for a total score out of 200. 

Harrington made quick work of the first run, putting down a switch right triple corked 1800 with an esco grab to post the first score in the 90’s of the competition, a 92.75.

The field was quick to retaliate, with the competition heating up for the second run, particularly from the three Norwegian skiers who all put down run two tricks that scored a 92.00 or higher. No stranger to pressure, Harrington held his own, stomping a right triple corked 1980 with a critical grab, to score an 89.75 and move into second position.

For the third and final run, the drop order is set by the current ranking so therefore Harrington was second to last to drop in. Unable to better his score, Harrington finished in second place which also means he is now leading the 2025/26 FIS Freeski Big Air World Cup rankings. 

Ulrik Samnoey of Norway claimed his career first World Cup victory, with Matej Svancer of Austria rounding out the podium in third.