The women’s slalom provided a dramatic competition and a minor sensation. Only last year, Phoenix Baumgardt from WSV Friedberg caused a stir at the age of 19 during her first World Championship appearance. Now, at the Slovakian Open, she faced the reigning World Champion Bianca Schall and her sister Nadine for the first time since the World Championships. As multiple World and Vice-World Champions, the sister duo represents the absolute world elite in this sport.

Under optimal conditions, Phoenix Baumgardt took the lead in the first round: with two buoys on the 10.75-meter rope, she set a new personal competition best. Surprisingly, her competitors could not keep up: Nadine Schall reached three buoys and Bianca Schall only one buoy on the 11-meter rope. This sensationally put the Friedberg native in first place.

Since the best result from two rounds counts in this competition, it was clear that the Schall sisters would do everything in their power to improve their results on Sunday. The pressure on Baumgardt, who had to start last as the leader, was enormous. However, when Nadine Schall fell at three buoys on the 11-meter rope, just as she had the day before, Phoenix was already guaranteed second place. She herself almost completed the same rope length but then surprisingly fell after the fifth buoy. Everyone now expected a victory for the top favorite Bianca Schall, who started on the shorter 10.75-meter rope. But even the World Champion showed nerves, falling after only half a buoy, making the sensational victory for Phoenix Baumgardt perfect.

In the women’s trick ski competition, there was a head-to-head race between the two teammates from WSV Friedberg, Laura Hillenbrand and Phoenix Baumgardt. However, Laura Hillenbrand was unlucky: after a fall, she was injured and could no longer compete in the second round to improve her score. With 2980 points, she narrowly finished second behind Phoenix Baumgardt, who won with 3170 points.

In the men’s category, Niklas Heinicke, another athlete from WSV Friedberg, was missing; as one of the clear favorites, he would surely have brought home a medal.

This double victory at the Slovakian Open impressively underscores Phoenix’s versatility. The fact that she was able to prevail in the slalom against the reigning World Champion sends a clear signal to the international competition: Phoenix Aliyah is no longer just a participant—she is setting the new standards. With this momentum and a new personal best in her pocket, she is now more focused than ever on the upcoming challenges of the season.