December 21, 2013-  In the Men’s race, Philippe Haenni suffered in the first part because he hadn’t finished some jumps in the qualifications. Afterwards, he controlled his rivals in the first run of the final with 86.25. The American Billy Wandling won the silver medal thanks to his supreme 84.75-point second run. As occurred in the Half Pipe, Rafael Imhof gained the bronze medal. He didn’t manage to improve the score obtained in the qualifications (84.25). In the second run he scored 80.85. The Korean Nam Seung-Yeun tried to conquer the third place but didn’t succeed. He had been the best athlete with 88 and 85.5 at the beginning of the race, but ranked only sixth in the overall ranking.

Men’s race:

Philippe Haenni, 24, student in Sport and Music in Berna: “This is the greatest result in my sport career. I didn’t imagine I could win. I neither had an idea about which kind of race it would be since I didn’t know my competitors. After the qualification stages I understood many things about their skiing, so I had the opportunity of winning the race. The snow wasn’t enough on the course but, the course was really well-prepared”.

Billy Wandling, 21, Westminster College: “I’m really satisfied with my debut in the Winter Universiade. I hoped I could obtain a better result, but on Friday I fell down during the training and I injured my shoulder. I managed to compete anyway in my best possible conditions only thanks to the help of doctors and physiotherapists”.

Rafael Imhof, 22, student of Tourism in Siders: “I really didn’t expect this medal: my favorite race was the Half Pipe. I competed in this race just to have fun. I will never forget this Universiade: this is a different competition, with a special spirit. My best satisfaction? The four Swiss athletes on the podium on Monte Bondone, that’s sure!”

Men’s final ranking: http://winteruniversiade2013.sportresult.com//HIDE/en/-60/Root/ViewPdf/SBM070100_C73S1_1.0.pdf

Women’s final ranking: http://winteruniversiade2013.sportresult.com//HIDE/en/-60/Root/ViewPdf/SBW070100_C73S1_1.0.pdf

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