New Zealand Skier Scoop Two World Cup Medals (15-Jan-09)

Wanaka, New Zealand, January 15, 2009 - Disabled Alpine Ski Racer Adam Hall

Alpine Ski Racer Adam Hall, 21, Otago, has finished his first International Paralympic Committee (IPC) World Cup event of the season winning a silver and bronze medal in slalom, while competing against the world’s best in La Molina, Spain this week.

Over 100 athletes from 16 different countries competed in Giant Slalom and Slalom over four days in three different categories, including visually impaired, sitting and standing.

Hall, who competes in the standing category also placed fifth in Giant Slalom, a personal best result while teammate sit skier Pete Williams posted an 11th and 13th Slalom and a 20th and 23rd in his Giant Slalom races.

“It’s great to start the World Cup season on the podium,” said Hall “Consistent results like these are exactly what I’m after.”

A member of the New Zealand Adaptive Snow Sports Team and Paralympian, Hall has had a fantastic season so far already winning nine gold medals of the nine races he has finished in the NorAm (North American Race Series) Cup.

Jon Turnbull, Winter Performance Programme (WPP) Performance Manager said Hall is right on track.

“Adam’s strong early season results put him on target for this seasons upcoming pinnacle events, the World Champs in Korea and the Paralympic test event, the World Cup Finals in Vancouver.”

Footage from La Molina can be seen later this month on IPC's Internet TV channel Paralympic Sport.TV.