Celebrating International Women's Day - Bobbi Kelly

With Sunday 8 March marking International Women’s Day, people around the globe recognising the great work of women from all walks of life.

To mark the occasion, we’ll be celebrating the achievements of women in snowsports with particular shout out to those that have achieved some big milestones in the last 12 months.

In 2020, the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) announced the latest intake of the AIS Talent Program, continuing its commitment to placing more women in leadership positions in Australian Sport.

Among the 34 women selected to participate was Para snowsport sighted guide and coach Bobbi Kelly.

Bobbi said that she is proud to be part of such a great program that is making moves to boost the presence of women in sport.

“I think it’s great that organisations like the AIS are addressing the lack of females in leadership positions in sport,” Bobbi said.

“ It’s essential for organisations to create an inclusive environment and make a conscious effort to attract and develop more women in leadership, and the AIS are doing a great job of paving the way,” she said.

“The AIS Talent Program is a great opportunity for me to work with some great female role models - their guidance and support of me so far has been invaluable.”

In addition to her work off the snow, Bobbi competes in partnership with visually impaired para-alpine skier Triple Paralympian Melissa Perrine, and together in  the last 12 months they have won 12 Para Alpine World Cup medals and four medals at the Para Alpine World Championships including gold in the Super Combined.

Bobbi said that she feels honoured to get to work with Mel every day.

“Mel is the definition of a strong female, she skis down a hill blind, she cage fights, she’s a physiotherapist!” she said.

“Her outlook on life is amazing, nothing sets her back. She’s not only someone that females should aspire to be like, but that everyone should.”

Bobbi said that it’s important for females to have someone to look up to, and for her that’s Mel.

“It’s important to have those people (role models) in your life to look up to, I have them as well. Mel is one of my biggest idols, she is someone I look up to every day,” Bobbi said.

“With so many strong female role models out there it’s definitely a good time to be a female in sport.”