Australia's Madison Hoffman has delivered the nation its best FIS Alpine World Cup result in almost three decades with a phenomenal eighth place in Levi, Finland.
The 26-year-old finished in eighth place in the slalom at the World Cup opener, her first career World Cup top 10.
The result was Australia's best since Olympic bronze medallist Zali Steggall's eighth place in 1999 at the French resort of Serre Chevalier.
Steggall had two career World Cup podiums, winning at Park City, Utah, in 1997 and a second in 1998, finishing her World Cup career with 11 top 10 finishes.
Hoffman, who has twice endured lengthy spells off the snow due to ACL injuries in 2022 and 2024, said the performance would take some time to settle in.
"It hasn't hit me yet, but I'm definitely proud, especially after a long slog with some injuries," Hoffman told the Olympic Winter Institute of Australia.
"Tearing both my knees in 2024 and coming back last year, it feels good to be back racing."
Hoffman's achievement was all the more remarkable given she was wearing bib 57, meaning 56 skiers had already attempted the course before her.
As skiers complete a course, particularly in slalom races, their skis cut through the snow, making it all the more difficult for those following to carve their own…