Rediscovering passion pays dividends for France’s Louison Accambray

Day 3 of alpine skiing at the Torino 2025 FISU World University Games brought the spotlight onto the Super-G events on Friday, 17 January at Bardonecchia Melezet.

Among many exceptional performances, Louison Accambray of France (1:00.88) and Ander Mintegui of Spain (57.55) delivered the best, and ended up on top of the women’s and men’s podiums. While Mintegui has maintained his academic and athletic career in his homeland, specifically in Barcelona, Accambray’s passion for skiing was reignited by a recent move to the United States, in Boulder, Colorado.

Following her triumph, Accambray described her decision to transfer from Paris in August 2024 as the pursuit of a fresh start. Balancing her studies in political science with a new training environment, she reflected on the move as a transformative experience for her mindset.

The 24-year-old admitted that she had been weighed down by mounting stress and self-imposed pressure. “I made the switch to Colorado because I just wanted to enjoy skiing, step out of my comfort zone, and learn a new language,” she explained. While adapting to studying in English was a challenge, she soon settled in and began to thrive. “Skiing became more enjoyable. I love the environment and the mood.”

In the years leading up to her move, Accambray often found herself overanalyzing races, sometimes to the point of tears. “I was putting too much pressure on myself,” she admitted. Her time in Colorado, however, has been a turning point. “Moving there, I decided to prioritize myself and the opportunity to find my passion again. And that’s what happened. When you’re happy, the results will come.”

The results certainly followed. Just five days before arriving in Torino, Accambray won her university championship. Even with that victory, she approached the FISU Games with measured expectations. “You never know. The level is so different here. It’s been a year since I’ve competed with these girls, so for me, it was just about coming out here, having fun, and seeing what happens.”

France dominates in women’s alpine

Sweden’s Sophie Nyberg (1:00.94) and Emy Charbonnier (1:00.15) claimed silver and bronze in the Super-G.

In the first women’s alpine skiing event of the Games, the combined held on Wednesday, 15 January, the same three athletes had made up the podium with Charbonnier placing first, followed Nyberg and Accambray.

In the men’s Super-G, the winner Ander Mintegui of Spain is joined on the podium by Sweden’s Emil Nyberg (57.69) and Jonas Skabar of France (57.93).

The French women’s team’s success extended beyond the medals on Friday, with Marjolaine Ollier finishing fourth. Accambray emphasised the importance of this camaraderie. “It’s been incredible to share this success with my teammates. They’ve been so encouraging and a joy to be around. We’ve all worked incredibly hard, and we’re thrilled to represent our country.”

The Grenoble native’s journey is not just about medals but also about rediscovering her joy in the sport. For now, she plans to continue competing while finishing her studies in Colorado. Beyond that, she’s content to stay in the present and enjoy the moment—a mindset that has clearly paid off.

Alpine skiing resumes at Bardonecchia on Saturday, 18 January with the women’s and men’s giant slalom.

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

Written by Mackenzie Barwell, FISU Young Reporter, Canada

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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