Aussie Para Duo Make World Cup Debut in Italy
Published Sat 01 Feb 2025
Two Australians will make their World Cup debut tonight in Italy, as they take on the Para Cross Country World Cup.
Completing in the Men’s Sitting, Aussie debutant Matt Brumby is filled with pride ahead of his Para Cross Country event in Val Di Fiemme, Italy.
“Whenever I compete for Australia there is a huge sense of pride,” Brumby said.
“Making my World Cup debut in Para Cross Country here at the Paralympic test event in Val Di Fiemme, Italy, will be an amazing feeling of pride and accomplishment.
“I have been very fortunate that my preparation has been supported by a fantastic group of people, along with the chance to train alongside the Australian Cross country ski team in Obertilliach and Toblach.
“Learning and getting the process right is my main focus for this event and staying upright.
“I'm really looking forward to competing with all the best athletes in the world and building future relationships for our sport!”
After making his debut tonight in Italy, Matt will head to the World Championships in Toblach, another step forward on his journey to the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games.
“The next race in the calendar will be in Toblach, a venue with such history and so many great events,” he said.
“This will be the result of all the training and work done by Snow Australia to help get Taryn and I on the world circuit with the ultimate goal of us qualifying for the 2026 Paralympic Games.”
Also making her debut tonight in the Visually Impaired Women event is Taryn Dicken, alongside her guide Heather Wiederkehr, who is excited to represent Australia and see her years of hard work pay off.
“I am very excited for my debut this weekend,” Dicken said.
“I am proud to represent Snow Australia with my guide Heather Wiederkehr, and sit skier Matty Brumby in a sport where Australia hasn't been for a number of years.
“Although I have less than three years on the snow, I have been training hard and focusing on being the best athlete I can be.
“I am most looking forward to showing Aussies that having a big life change later in life doesn't mean you can't have big goals.”
Snow Australia wishes both Matt and Taryn good luck ahead of their debut tonight.
Catch all the Para Cross Country action on Snow LIVE.
