Neil Simpson has secured his first World Cup podium of the season

Winter Olympic gold medalist Neil Simpson secured his first World Cup podium since 2024 by finishing third in the men’s (visually impaired) alpine downhill race in Saalbach, Austria.

The Briton – along with his mentor and brother Andrew Simpson – recorded a time of 58.07 seconds to secure his first podium finish of the season, and the first podium finish of his career.

Scottish Simpson (24 years old) finished 3.10 seconds behind Austrian Johannes Aigner, the gold medalist, who beat Italian Giacomo Bertagnoli in first place by only 0.11 seconds.

“It’s a great result for Neil and Andrew in their first World Cup match of the season,” said British Snowsport coach Pat Sharples.

“We couldn’t have asked for better conditions which is always a big bonus when athletes compete in speed disciplines. [I’m] Very proud of the whole team who did a fantastic job.”

Simpson’s last World Cup podium came in December 2024, when he won the giant slalom in Courchevel.

He won gold in the Super-G at the 2022 Winter Paralympics in Beijing as well as bronze in the super combined events.

He was appointed an MBE in the 2022 Birthday Honors for services to skiing.

Simpson will look to defend his medals at the 2026 Winter Paralympics in Milan Cortina, Italy in March.