Kappl, Austria January 19 2026 : Hamish Henderson (18) has taken the win in the Freeride Junior World Championships in Kappl, Austria, pulling off a stunning run in the Men’s Ski event.
One of four champions crowned at the competition, Henderson had the commentators in awe – “we’re speechless right now” – as he pulled off an incredible run that opened with a big 360 followed by the first cleanly-landed 720.
With 67 top junior athletes representing 13 countries vying for podium, the event showcased the rising talents of Freeride’s next generation. Competitors navigated the demanding Alblittköpfe face at 2720 meters, featuring a 40° slope gradient, technical terrain, and creative line opportunities.
Runs are judged across five key criteria: line choice, air and style, control, fluidity, and technique, giving elite junior Freeriders the opportunity to show off their skills. Henderson rose to the challenge and executed a run described as “kiwi performance at its finest”. His score – 88.67 – putting him in the lead over Austrian Jem Muller.
Watch his run here:
35 hours ago