Discipline: Snowboard Parallel Giant Slalom

Olympic Participation: Torino 2006

Born in Coffs Harbour and raised in Europe, he mastered snowboarding in the Swiss Alps.

He first competed on the World Cup circuit in October 2003 in Soelden, Austria, placing 42nd in his first competition. His best World Cup placing was sixth in  2005 in Le Relais, Canada.

Emanuel's best World Championship result was in 2005 at Whistler, Canada when he finished 18th. In the two-run elimination round, he finished just half a second behind the 16th fastest qualifier, narrowly missing a place in the head to head final rounds.

He was given the opportunity to represent his country of birth at the Torino 2006 Olympic Winter Games in parallel giant slalom, finishing in 15th position.

Emanuel reminisced “It is a great feeling and a big rush competing at a Winter Olympics. I was proud to represent Australia, even though it was not my home country at the time. “When I walked into the arena, wearing the green and gold, the crowd were yelling Aussie, Aussie, Aussie – Oi, Oi, Oi, but I didn’t know what they were saying back then. After I qualified for the Aussie team from the World Cup, I made sure I could sing the national anthem just in case I made the podium.

I was so proud to represent Australia at the Winter Olympics and after the Games I made sure our family moved here to find out more about the country I was born in.”

Emanuel retired from international competition in 2007.