New Zealand ski racer Ben Griffin made history at Coronet Peak yesterday.
He claimed second place during day one of the Giant Slalom Air New Zealand Japanese FIS Southern Cup race - New Zealand's best performance in a world-ranking race for 20 years.
In an outstanding performance, Griffin fended off competition from top international ski racers Warner Nickerson and David Chodounsky, both of the United States, who came third and fourth respectively.
Tim Cafe was the second New Zealander across the line, in 19th place.
Griffin's podium spot vastly improved his FIS world ranking and propelled him into the top 125 alpine ski racers in the world.
"I'm very stoked with [yesterday's] result," Griffin, of Ohakune, said.
"I made a few mistakes up the top of the run, but I carried a lot of speed into the bottom.
"I've been skiing really well. I always get a huge boost when we're working alongside the US and other top racers.
"We always up our game."
Snowsports New Zealand alpine manager James Lazor said Griffin skied "fantastically".
"This result, plus his Canadian Giant Slalom earlier in the season, will bring down his FIS Giant Slalom points into the teens."
Head of Race Richard Murphy said Griffin's effort was the best by a New Zealander since Simon Wi Rutene achieved a similar result in 1990.
"The training that's going on here is really paying off for New Zealand's alpine ski racers."
Murphy said race conditions were "awesome" with a hard track underneath and a "spectacular bluebird day".
Conditions were also looking "fantastic" for today's final event in the series.
"It all steps up to another level [today] with the final Giant Slalom races bringing the five-day event to a huge climax.
"We've got the top US Men's technical and speed teams as well as the Russian and German Women's technical teams."
In the Women's Giant Slalom race yesterday, Christina Geiger, of Germany, secured first place from Fanny Chmelar, of Germany, and Elena Prosteva, of Russia, in third.
The first New Zealand woman home was Sarah Jarvis in sixth place.
