Luke became the youngest Kiwi athlete to claim a World Cup podium when he finished in 2nd place at the 2023 Beijing freeski halfpipe World Cup. Gangwon 2024 Youth Olympic Winter Games freeski halfpipe gold medalist and freeski big air bronze medalist, 2023 LAAX European Cup Premium Freeski Halfpipe Winner, 2023 Aspen Open Freeski Halfpipe Winner.
Luke was born in Christchurch but calls Lake Hāwea home. Luke learnt to ski at Cardrona Alpine Resort with the local Hāwea Flat Primary School skiing programme.
Luke began training with HPC in Cardrona where he developed his love for skiing and the tricks involved. He started competing in 2016 at the Junior Freestyle Nationals and decided In 2018 he was talent ID's by Snow Sports NZ and joined the National Development Team.
In 2023 Luke had a phenomenal year, claiming first place at both the FIS North American Cup and the FIS European Cup Premium freeski halfpipe competitions. He also finished in second place at the World Rookie Tour Finals Freeski Slopestyle Event.
Luke carried his momentum in the 2023/24 season where he had his World Cup debut at the freeski halfpipe World Cup in China in December 2023. Luke blew everyone away with his highly technical run, finishing in second place at his first ever World Cup.
He then represented NZ at the Gangwon 2024 Youth Olympic Games as part of the cohort of Kiwi's who made this NZ's most successful Youth Olympic Winter Games. Luke claimed the gold medal in freeski halfpipe and also snagged the bronze medal in freeski big air.
In the coming years his major goals include qualifying for the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games.
Luke dreams of one day winning an Olympic medal. Outside of competition he wants to continue improving his skill and also his leadership within the sport so that he can inspire others to love skiing just as much as he does.
