Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
ABC News
ABC News
National

From the Snowies to success: Paralympians at their prime en route to Beijing 2022

Ben Tudhope was based in Jindabyne last winter season. (Supplied: Ben Tudhope)

With one week until the 2022 Winter Paralympic opening ceremony, the Snowy Mountains' finest winter para-athletes are gearing up to win their first Olympic medal.

For dual-Paralympic snowboarder Ben Tudhope success is a whole lot more than a podium finish, despite that being the ultimate prize.

Tudhope is the only snowboarder and youngest para-athlete selected on the team, a familiar accolade for the 22-year-old who competed in his first games at age 14.

"To be able to go and represent my nation again is a real honour for me," he said.

"The Paralympic Games are one of my favourite things in the world."

'Feeling ready'

Tudhope is co-captain of the Australian Paralympic Team, alongside bronze medallist Melissa Perrine.

Ben Tudhope is Australia's youngest athlete at the games. (Supplied: Paralympics Australia)

He is on a mission to show-off how much para-snowboarding has progressed since the discipline's debut at Sochi 2014.

"I just can't wait to show the world and show everyone how far para-snowboarding has come and what we can do as adaptive athletes because it's absolutely amazing," he said.

Tudhope is also on a mission to win his first Olympic medal, after a bumper World Cup season and winning the Crystal Globe as the world's best para-snowboarder.

"I think my preparation going into these Beijing Games are the best I've ever experienced in my career," he said.

Paralympian alpine skier Sam Tait echoed the same sentiment.

"I'm feeling ready," he said.

"If I don't get a medal, the top five would be great."

While the 30-year-old has had his heart set on a podium finish since he debuted at PyeongChang 2018, he has been committed to being the best for a lot longer.

Sam Tait (pictured second from the right) will compete in his second Paralymics.  (Supplied: Emilee Spargo/EJ Creative Co)

Tait first took up sit-skiing about three months after a motorcycle accident left him paraplegic at age 22.

"It would have been the first day I ever sat in a sit-ski, it just kind of felt natural and I had that sense of freedom again," he said.

It didn't take him long to get to an elite level.

"It just felt like it was natural and, in my blood," he said.

"I've always loved the cold and the mountains and being on snow, it's just like an unreal feeling.

"I wouldn't say it's easy but it's a lot of fun and I love it."

Primed for success

Head ski technician and assistant coach of the Australian Paralympic Team Zali Offord says team morale is high ahead of Beijing 2022, and the para-athletes are on track for "medal-based" success.

Zali Offord services equipment every night for the para-athletes. (Supplied: Emilee Spargo/EJ Creative Co)

She said there is a "really good mix" of experienced and young debuts selected on this year's Paralympic team.

"I think they are a competitive bunch as well, so success can come from that," she said.

"Australia is really good at proving people wrong, and that's what we are good at in the winter sports."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.