Perrine Laffont has once again proven herself to be a dominant force in the world of mogul skiing, capturing her sixth world title on March 19, 2025, at the World Championships held in Saint-Moritz, Switzerland. This latest achievement not only strengthens her legacy in the sport but also stands as a remarkable comeback following a challenging year focusing on her mental health.
The 26-year-old French skier secured victory with a stunning score of 77.92 points, leaving her primary competitors, Japan's Hinako Tomitaka and Canada's Maia Schwinghammer, in her wake, who finished with scores of 75.15 points and 74.92 points, respectively. Laffont's performance was particularly noteworthy given the intense pressure and the high stakes involved; this was a critical competition just over a year before the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Italy.
In the competition’s exhilarating final runs, Laffont was both focused and formidable, dominating the first run before delivering when it mattered most in the super final. Reflecting on her accomplishment, an emotional Laffont commented, "It's a dream, I can hardly believe it, I just won? I didn't think it could happen. It's crazy." These words encapsulate not just her competitive spirit but also the journey she has undergone over the past year.
After facing the sting of not medaling at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, Laffont took a step back from the sport to bolster her mental health. This interimallowed her to regain focus and renew her passion for skiing after an 18-month hiatus from competitive events. Upon reentering the World Cup circuit in December 2024, she quickly established her prowess, achieving podium finishes in 13 out of 14 races leading up to the World Championships.
The crowd in Saint-Moritz erupted in cheers as Laffont concluded her winning run, but the evening also highlighted the struggles of other competitors. Jaelin Kauf, regarded as a favorite and winner of multiple World Cups that season, stumbled during her final run, finishing a disappointing eighth. Laffont had entered the final round knowing Kauf would present a significant challenge, yet with Kauf faltering, the path to victory was clearer.
Adding to the excitement for the French team was Camille Cabrol, who made her debut into the super finals, finishing an impressive fifth overall, demonstrating the burgeoning talent within French mogul skiing. Coach Albert Bedouet praised his athletes, stating, "She has proven to be an exceptional competitor for this race which is so special, the World Championships. It's fabulous for French mogul skiing, we are so happy.” This reinforces the significance of their team’s collective performance, with all competitors demonstrating high standards in their runs.
Next up for Laffont is the parallel moguls event scheduled for March 21, 2025, where she seeks to defend her title. If successful, this would mark her third world title in that discipline as well, following her wins in 2017 and 2019. As the events unfold in Saint-Moritz, there is no doubt that the eyes of the skiing world are on her.
As the countdown to the next Winter Olympics continues, Laffont’s consistency and determination will be paramount. Having already made an indelible mark on the sport, she stands poised for greater accomplishments, and her passion for skiing serves not only as inspiration to others but as a reminder of the resilience that can follow adversity. With back-to-back world titles and an array of accolades behind her, Laffont is certainly a name to watch in the lead-up to Milan-Cortina 2026.
