Intro:

William Vukelic of Croatia was crowned the Future Ski Champion 2013 at Val d'Isere, France on Saturday (14 December).

Script:

Fourteen young athletes from 14 countries came together in Val d'Isere on Saturday to contest the Future Ski Champions event.

A giant slalom in two-legs on the lower section of the mythical Face de Bellevarde, the official World Cup slope, would provide a winner.

Six-time world champion Aksel Lund Svindal of Norway was present for Friday's bib draw.

And a day on, William Vukelic was victorious.

Representing Croatia, Vukelic mastered the piste in 1 minute 14:50 seconds.

The podium was completed by the French skier Jeremie Lagier, who arrived only 0.08 seconds behind, and by Swiss racer Semyel Bissig.

American River Radamus had led from Lagier at the halfway stage.

With Svindal again in attendance, Vukelic was presented with a trophy and a watch made by the sponsor.

Meanwhile, the Croatian Ski Association received a cheque for 20,000 US dollars to be invested in its activities for young skiers.

Next year's Future Ski Champions event will also be open to girls.