UM student Thom Vogel wins silver medal during FISU World University Games Winter 2025
On 17 January, Dutch snowboarder Thom Vogel, student at the School of Business and Economics (SBE) at Maastricht University, won a silver medal in slopestyle during the FISU World University Games Winter 2025. With an impressive score of 88.75, Thom made a strong impression on the international competition and put TeamNL on the map in the world of winter sports.
The slopestyle finale took place on a technically challenging course, featuring big jumps and creative rails that demanded the utmost from the participants. Thom stood out thanks to his excellent rail skills, variety, and precise execution. This performance earned him the highest score of his career. "I usually train and compete indoors," an elated Thom shared. "Training outdoors is very different. What helped me from my indoor training is that everything there is very compact, just like it is here at the Games. That definitely worked to my advantage."
Proud coach
Thom's coach, Mitchell van der Krogt, was visibly proud: "Thom hadn’t competed abroad for five years, but he was excited to take part again this time. We knew he had this level in him, but the competition was undeniably strong. This silver medal has inspired Thom to compete more frequently."
Van der Krogt highlighted Thom’s exceptional performance on the rails: "In the Netherlands, there aren’t many big jumps, but we do have a lot of rails. Thom demonstrated just how skilled he is on them, while also holding his own on the jumps. His variation and precision on the rails really made the difference. While others opted for safer tricks, Thom brought something unique."
Thom’s run included several impressive tricks, such as a Frontside 1080 from the toes (also known as a 'toeside 1080'), a technically demanding jump that is more challenging than the standard version, which is done from the heels. On the most difficult rail of the course, a step-down rail, he performed a 'switch frontside blunt 270 out.' This combination of technical skill and creativity earned him his silver medal.
"Thom's variation and precision on the rails really made the difference. While others opted for safer tricks, Thom brought something unique."
Mitchell van der Krogt, coach
All winners
The gold medal went to Frenchman Noé Petit (centre), who claimed the top honour with a score of 91.25. Bronze was awarded to his compatriot Liam Garandel (right), who scored 84.75.
Dutch athlete Kai Groeneveld, also coached by Mitchell van der Krogt, achieved a commendable eighth place with a score of 51.25. He mentioned having struggled during the qualification but was satisfied with his performance in the final. On Saturday, Thom and Kai competed again in the qualification rounds for Big Air.
Sources: Studentensport Nederland and the School of Business and Economics (SBE)
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