Sport
31 January, 2025
Chooka claims second World Cup bronze at Feldberg meet
IT’S been a week to remember for Josh "Chooka" Hanlon, with the West Wyalong local claiming his second World Cup bronze medal in just three days at Feldberg, Germany, last week.
After his breakthrough performance on Tuesday, January 21, where he secured his maiden World Cup podium, Hanlon backed it up with another incredible third-place finish on Thursday, cementing his place among the sport’s best heading into the World Championships in Slovenia next month.
With less than five years in the sport, Hanlon’s double podium finish is nothing short of remarkable. For a skier who’s still relatively new to the international para-alpine scene, his performances are proof of the dedication and determination he’s shown in his journey towards representing Australia at the Milano Winter Paralympics in 2026.
“It’s a pretty special feeling, especially to have two podium finishes in such a short span of time,” Hanlon’s mother Leanne said after his second bronze medal.
“He’s worked so hard, and it’s paying off. To be able to compete at this level and come away with results like this just makes all the early mornings and tough training sessions feel worth it. We are all chuffed with how it’s all coming together.”
The 2025 season is shaping up to be a big one for Hanlon, who is focused on earning a spot on the Australian Winter Paralympic team for the upcoming 2026 Milano Winter Paralympics. His success in Germany last week shows he’s more than on track to achieve that goal, and with a silver lining of consistency, Hanlon’s performances are a major boost to the Australian team’s morale.
The Australian Para Alpine team as a whole had a stellar week, with Georgia Gunew and Ethan Jackson also claiming top 5 finishes in their respective events. Their performances, coupled with Hanlon’s, capped off a thrilling three days of racing that saw the Australian contingent show the world that they are well and truly on form ahead of next month’s World Championships in Slovenia.
With the World Championships just around the corner, the Australian Para Alpine team is looking to continue their impressive form. For Hanlon, the upcoming months will be critical as he prepares for a shot at the ultimate goal - the Winter Paralympics.
The 2025 World Para Alpine Skiing Championships in Slovenia are set to be another test for the athletes, but with Hanlon’s confidence and his recent form, Australia’s Para Alpine team looks poised to make an impact on the world stage.
As he reflects on his two bronze medals in Feldberg, Hanlon’s sights are firmly set on the future. The West Wyalong local is making a name for himself in the world of para-alpine skiing, and with his sights set on Milano 2026, his journey is just getting started.
Read More: Weethalle
