Sally Rodd began skiing at Mt Buller at the age of six, in the days of rope-tows and T-bars, lace-up boots and cable bindings. In the late 60’s the Victorian Junior Race Squad was formed and Sally, along with Rob McIntyre, was in its first uptake of young racers from across the Victorian resorts. In 1968, aged 11, she competed in the Australian Junior Championships, coming 3^rd in the Giant Slalom and 4^th in the Slalom. The following year she won the Giant Slalom event of the Mt Buller Cup.  

“Winning the Mt Buller Cup at such a young age put a glint in my eye,” remembers Sally.  Already involved in competitive sailing, it was only when overseas ski racing became the obvious next step that she had to choose between the two sports, and skiing won.  

Sally started competing in Europe in her early teens, at a time when very few people, including adults, travelled outside of Australia. While racing internationally opened her eyes to the world she had already experienced firsthand the calibre of competitors she would be up against. “In the early ‘70s top international racers were enticed out to Australia during their off-season, lending an exotic air to the sport. We locals marvelled at their exceptional skills and speed. It was apparent that the bar was very high for this sport in Europe – much higher than here – and we wanted to be a part of it!” Sally said.

Of her European racing experiences she says: “It was thrilling to be a part of the “buzz” of ski racing. The highly competitive environment only increased my desire and determination to ski at my very best.”  Sally also recalls the everyday reality of racing at World Cup level being tough, requiring resilience and stamina, both physically and mentally. It was a time when Australian women did not have a coach of their own; instead they were linked up with foreign teams. “It was a busy 2-3 month schedule of training, racing and travelling while looking out for each other.”

At one race event in Italy Sally was awarded a huge trophy for being the competitor who had travelled the greatest distance to compete! She later donated the trophy to Mt Buller Race Club as an encouragement award. 

From the early 70's up until the 1976 Olympics Sally finished 1^st in all but a few of the major championships – Junior and Open, Australian and Victorian titles - in both slalom and GS.  In August 1975 she was chosen as Victorian Sportswoman of the Month. Internationally, she placed in the top 25 in several Europa Cup slaloms. 

At the 1976 Olympic Winter Games in Innsbruck, Austria, Sally placed 31st in the DH and 33rd in the GS. After a very competitive midway time in the first run of her preferred event, slalom, her hopes for a personal best were dashed when she missed a gate.  

After taking part in the Innsbruck Games, Sally realised she would have to base her training overseas in order to fulfil her potential before the 1980 Winter Games at Lake Placid. The cost of doing so, coupled with her reluctance to live away from family and friends for a further four years made for a difficult decision. At just 19, and with much regret, she retired from racing. 

Sally later instructed for several seasons at Mt Buller and in 1980-1981 managed the ASF Junior Development Ski Teams in the USA, with her now husband Bill Bachman. Bill became a successful photojournalist, covering five Winter Olympics for the Australian Olympic Committee and various magazines. Since the ‘80s Sally and her husband have run their own photographic business. 

“We have a cabin and land up near Mt Buller,” said Sally. “On the (rare) occasion of fine weather plus good snow conditions, we can be found on the mountain!”