Arthur refreshed and ready to fly high

Matt Bartolo
olympics.com.au

Some time with friends and home-cooking has got young halfpipe star Emily Arthur refreshed and ready to go for what are likely to be some of the busiest months of her life as PyeongChang 2018 approaches.

The 18-year-old who spends a large part of her year in North America was recently back home and loved every minute of it.

“Having a break is always nice after a long season,” the Lillehammer 2016 Youth Olympic silver medallist said.

“I love seeing my friends in Sydney and having my mum's cooking was great as well. I love home, although after a week I'm back to dreaming about snowboarding again.”

Those dreams were realised when she kicked off her 2017/18 season in Perisher before she crossed the ditch.

“I was pretty happy with my southern hemisphere season having began it by being able to spend some time with my family and friends in Perisher which was really nice.

“I then headed to Cardrona, New Zealand, to get some riding in and competed in the Winter Games which was super fun. Although I was unable to put a run down, but none the less it was super fun.”

Arthur then headed north to Switzerland where a number of her Australian teammates are currently based.

“Right now I’m in Saas Fee in a camp called 'The Stomping Grounds' and basically every pro and team comes here because it's the best facilities and the mountain is insane.

“The park builder is Charles Beckinsale, who is an Aussie legend so you know it’s going to be good.

“I've been able to improve my riding a fair bit as well which I'm stoked about.

The camp will be crucial for Arthur to get her run down as she gets ready for the all-important qualification events as she edges closer to making her Olympic debut in February.

“My first event for the season is the Copper Grand Prix in early December which is coming up very quickly but it's super exciting.

“After that there are three more World Cups in China, Aspen, and Laax Switzerland prior to the Olympic Games. It’s going to be busy but it should be a lot of fun.

“I’m pretty happy with how I’m looking for the Olympic Team, but anything can happen.

“If I am able to put down runs and enjoy myself I think I will be pretty on track to go to Korea, which of course would be the dream!”

Arthur claimed the silver medal at the second edition of the Youth Winter Olympic Games in early 2016. She finished only behind American gun Chloe Kim in Lillehammer.

She finished 17th at the 2017 World Championships in Sierra Nevada, Spain.