Giuliano Fux powers to Slalom gold on final day of Narvik

Giuliano Fux (SUI) laid down a high-intensity second run to clinch the Men’s Slalom title in the final race of the FIS Alpine Junior World Ski Championships in Narvik, Norway.

The Swiss athlete was eighth after the first run, 2.35secs off leader Luca Carrick-Smith, but he balanced power and flow on his second outing to post 51.26secs for a total 1:43.63.

It was then a waiting game for Fux but none of the following six men dislodged him from top spot and he was guaranteed at least a silver medal with only Luca Carrick-Smith left to ski.

He found his rhythm and tempo and appeared on the brink of history as the first British junior world champion only to straddle a gate.

While he slumped to the snow at the side of the course, Fux was crowned champion ahead of Luca’s younger brother Freddy Carrick-Smith while bronze went to Maximilien Hoder of the USA.

It was Fux’s second medal of Narvik 2026 after bronze in the Team Parallel and followed his Giant Slalom disappointment where he was locked out of the podium by one place and 0.05secs despite a spectacular second run.

“It’s incredible, I can’t describe it,” he said. “It was a really tough one but I tried my best and it was enough.”

Luca Carrick-Smith led the field after the first run, 1.25secs ahead of brother Freddy followed by Hoder, Sweden’s Gustav Wissting and Giant Slalom champion Rasmus Bakkevig of host nation Norway.

John Kerbaugh of the USA was first through the start gate and a further nine men followed before Alexander Ax Swartz wrested top spot.

Seven men came and went before fellow Swede Jevin Palmquist took the lead only for Fux to take matters into his hands and drive through the line for the lead.

Hoder showcased a calm, strong style to post 52.24secs and a combined 1:44.08 to go second which guaranteed a medal for Fux with just the Carrick-Smith brothers to come.

Freddy Carrick-Smith posted 52.69secs for a total 1:43.96 – 0.33secs off Fux and onto the podium – with all eyes on his older brother Luca.

All seemed to be going well for the Briton before his crushing DNF with Fux winning Switzerland’s first title in Narvik, 0.33secs ahead of Freddy Carrick-Smith with Hoder 0.45secs behind the champion.

There were mixed feelings for Freddy Carrick-Smith, whose twin Zak finished in a tie for 20^th.

“It just doesn’t feel right for him (Luca) not to be on this podium with me.”

He added: “It feels amazing. It’s my third world juniors and it’s nice to get on the podium.”

Hoder became the first individual male medallist from the USA at Narvik 2026.

“I just wanted to ski well,” he said. “I was pretty nervous at the start after the first run but my coach did a really good job of keeping me in the right head space.

“I was just focusing on the skiing not the result.”

In addition to Fux's success, it was also a day to remember for the Switzerland team as a whole as they claimed the Marc Hodler trophy - as the outstanding nation at the FIS Alpine Junior World Ski Championships across all disciplines. USA took silver and France secured bronze.

Marc Hodler Trophy final standings

Top 5 nations

1. Switzerland - 91 points

2. USA - 63

3. France - 57

4. Austria - 54

5. Italy - 53

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