Chilean Paralympian right at home on Italian slopes, claims Super-G gold

For the first time in FISU World University Games history, the para-alpine skiing men’s and women’s Super-G races took place on Thursday, 16 January in the picturesque Italian mountains of Bardonecchia.

Para-athletes – including a number of Paralympians – from around the world competed on a slope that was praised by athletes and spectators alike.

 “We really like the slope and the snow. Today [the snow] was very hard so it was perfect for us, no lights changing” said 2022 Italian Paralympian Martina Vozza, as she and her guide Ylenia Sabidussi giggled at the inside joke referring to Vozza’s visual impairment.

The excitement at Bardonecchia – Melezet was palpable, not just for the athletes but also for the crowd. The electric atmosphere and enthusiastic support thrilled 19-year-old Frenchwoman Aurélie Richard. “It was very cool, having the public and the ambiance they brought. And also having my teammates here – it was really great.”

Vozza (1:11.83), in the vision impaired category, and Richard (1:10.67), in the standing class, finished the day atop the podium. The other gold medal on the women’s side went to sitting athlete Audrey Pascual Seco of Spain (1:15.87).

Chilean Paralympian feeling right at home

In men’s action, winners were Poland’s Michal Golas (1:10.55) in vision impaired, France’s Oscar Burnham in standing (1:02.27) as well as Nicolas Bisquertt Hudson of Chile (1:09.54) in sitting.

A two-time Paralympian, Bisquertt Hudson is no stranger to the Italian slopes as he spends half of his season training in the northern part of the country, in Val di Fassa, Trentino. He spends the rest of his time in his homeland preparing for competitions with a special focus on the 2026 Paralympic Games in Milano Cortina.

The Central University of Chile student mentioned how crucial this Super-G was for him: “I came here to enjoy the experience. With that said, the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 will be held here, so I wanted to get to know the slope, ski fast, and have fun.”

Despite the fact that, like some of his fellow para-athletes, Nico – as his coaches and staff fondly call him – has previously experienced the magnitude and glamour of the Paralympic Games, he couldn’t contain his excitement and surprise regarding his experience at Torino 2025.

“This event I think it’s incredible, it surprised me. I really didn’t know the magnitude of this event, what and how it would be like. I was completely clueless about this event. But it surprised me in the most wonderful way imaginable. Incredible organisation, it makes me so glad to be here. This event, to be honest, if I could come back again I would. Now I can’t because I’m very old now,” jokingly said the 26-year-old Nicolas Bisquertt Hudson.

For him, this event is also an opportunity to focus on perfecting his technique and staying motivated for future competitions, especially Milano Cortina 2026. “Right now, I’m focused on skiing well and improving my technique. When you achieve that, the results will follow.”

The day ended on a high note for Team France, with Aurelie Richard’s male teammates sweeping the podium in the men’s Super G standing. With four medals added to their count, the French delegation is hopeful for more success in Saturday’s Giant Slalom event.

The  take place from 13-23 January. Watch all the competitions live on . Click on the link to find the full schedule.

Written by Veronica Andrea Garcia Sanchez, FISU Young Reporter, Mexico

The Young Reporters Programme exemplifies FISU’s commitment to more than sports competitions. At every FISU World University Games, a group of talented aspiring sports journalists are chosen to cover the competition.

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