Hoder Wins World Juniors Bronze in Slalom; Four in Top 10

On the final day of the FIS Junior World Championships in Narvik, Norway U.S. athlete Maximilien Hoder won his first Junior Worlds medal, bronze. Hoder led the strong team result day as three other men joined him in the top 10. Jevin Palmquist fourth, Stanley Buzek fifth and John Kerbaugh in eighth. 

“I felt confident coming into the day with my skiing but I didn’t think I would end up on the podium,” said Hoder.  “Second run I knew I was in a good position to claim a place on the podium and I was definitely feeling the nerves in the gate. I tried to focus on the skiing and keep a technical and tactical goal for my run to keep my mind off the results. Overall very happy.” 

It has been tricky weather the past two weeks with World Juniors leading to variable and unpredictable conditions, but the men knew they would need to full send in order to be competitive with the strong group of men’s tech skiers. Hoder had not only a strong first run but an equally competitive second run to keep his mark on the podium. Teammates Palmquist and Kerbaugh had big moves on the second run, adding to the great team result. Buzek also had another steady run and slid easily into a top-five position. 

“I knew what was possible and wanted to swing hard for it. I’m proud it all came together, and proud of Team U.S. for showing the world what we’re made of,” said Kerbaugh. 

The U.S. team will end the World Juniors run with four medals. Three silver and one bronze. 

RESULTS
men's slalom