Monaco’s Hugo Leonelli proudly represented the Principality at the Winter Youth Olympic Festival in Bakuriani, Georgia, showcasing his talent in giant slalom and slalom against some of Europe’s most promising young skiers…
The 17-year-old athlete, competing under the Monaco Olympic Committee, demonstrated resilience and skill in challenging conditions, gaining valuable experience on the international stage.
Held in the mountainous region of Bakuriani, the festival gathered elite athletes aged 15 to 18, serving as a stepping stone towards higher-level competitions. Accompanied by his coach Valeria Ponet, Leonelli delivered two strong performances, particularly excelling in the giant slalom, where course conditions remained ideal throughout the race. However, the slalom event proved more demanding, with only a third of the 90 competitors finishing, due to the technical difficulty and deteriorating slope conditions.
Despite the challenges, Leonelli remained focused on gaining experience and progressing step by step toward his long-term goal of competing on the senior world circuit. His participation in Georgia follows his debut at the 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games in South Korea, where he competed in a multi-sport Olympic environment for the first time.
Currently training at Apex 2100, an international ski academy in Tignes, Leonelli benefits from world-class facilities and coaching. His continued development is closely supported by the Monaco Ski Federation and the Olympic Committee, both of which recognize his potential. With dedication and perseverance, the young Monegasque skier aims to make his mark on the international stage, possibly setting his sights on the Winter Olympics in five years’ time.
