Belle is back and inspired by team mates

Ash Knight
olympics.com.au

August 28 was a momentous day for Snowboard cross rider and Sochi Olympian, Belle Brockhoff who got back on a board and hit the slopes for the first time in over five months.

“It feels really good to be back,” said Brockhoff who has undergone serious knee surgery after a crash before World Championships saw her tear her ACL.

“I’m really happy to get on a snowboard again.”

Five months out from a Winter Olympic Games, most athletes would have spent plenty of time on the snow but the 24-year-old has taken another route - undergoing surgery and focusing on a full recovery before she takes on international competition.  

“Rehabilitation is going really well. My knee feels good and there weren’t any issues on snow.

“Right now, I’m just over preparing it since it’ll be a full-on schedule this tour,” said Brockhoff who is aiming to return to international competition this December.

“There’s no rush to compete but to really make sure things are solid with my knee. The priority is the Games in February.”

Brockhoff’s Australian boardercross team mates kicked off their Olympic season in Argentina last week with race one and two of the World Cup circuit, displaying performances Brockhoff described as “really amazing!”

Two-time Olympian and Brockhoff’s close friend, Alex “Chumpy” Pullin proved his means business in 2017, taking out both races. 

“The boys did so well, especially with Chumpy’s double win, what a legend! I’m really happy for him.”

Brockhoff who is hoping to replicate this success at her second Olympics in February, which she believes she can do if she focuses on being fit, both mentally and physically.

“I know once I get to the Games, I won’t be able to improve my skill level that much more but trust myself with my skill set and make sure I’m in a good headspace,” said Brockhoff who has been using meditation a tool for best performance.  
 
“I’ve been working with Tom, the Olympic Winter Institute’s Sport psychologist, on many things.

“I’m really excited about the progress I’ve made and looking forward to using the tools I have in action.

In her spare time between recovery and training, Brockhoff has started her own clothing label, a unisex line called Yuzoko.

“It’s going really well, ticking along slowly like any other start-up business.

“It does keep me busy but I love what I’m learning from it and enjoy the marketing side of it.

“It’s definitely something that I’ll want to keep doing 5-10 years from now if i keep working at it.”

Brockhoff will train in Melbourne for two more weeks, before heading to Europe to begin on snow training.