Madison Hoffman breaks Australia's almost three-decade Alpine World Cup drought
Hoffman finished eighth in the Levi slalom. This is Australia's best Alpine World Cup result since Zali Steggall in 1999.
Why it matters
Hoffman's result revives Australian Alpine skiing after years out of the World Cup's top tier. This shows that a comeback is possible after serious injury.
In Australia. Australia's Alpine skiing program has a new international competitor at the highest level, giving the sport a boost ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Key facts
- 8th place in Levi slalom
- Hoffman's placement
- Zali Steggall, 1999
- Last Australian top result
- 2 (won Park City 1997, second 1998)
- Steggall's World Cup podiums
- The 26-year-old Australian skier finished eighth at the World Cup opener in Finland.
- This was her first career World Cup top 10.
- Hoffman's result is Australia's best Alpine World Cup performance in almost three decades.
- Hoffman had an ACL injury in 2022 and tore both knees in 2024.
- Last year she returned to racing.
- Hoffman started from bib 57.
- That meant 56 skiers had already carved the course before her.
- This made conditions tougher.
- Even so, she had the 13th-fastest opening run.
- Then she delivered a strong second run to secure the finish.
- Her comeback makes this achievement even more impressive.
