26 Jan 2009

Australian aerial skiier on top of the world

4:55 pm on 26 January 2009

The Australian Lydia Lassila has reinforced her position as the world's No.1 aerial skier, winning her second event of the season in Mont Gabriel, Canada.

Competing in minus 18 degree temperatures and blinding sunlight, Lassila qualified in second place behind 2006 Olympic gold medallist Nina Li.

The 27-year-old then backed up in the final, landing her second triple twisting double somersault to earn a total of 185.94 points.

Shuang Cheng took the silver on 181.18 points, with Chinese teammate Shanshan Zhao joining her on the podium in third.