ETP Snowboard Season Summary

The Emerging Talent Program (ETP) is a Talent Identification and Development (TID) program which aims to identify, support and enhance preparation of potential performance athletes for transition into the Performance Pathway. The 2021/22 Emerging Talent Program cohort consisted of 73 athletes aged between 11 and 19 years old. There were 36 females and 37 males over the six disciplines. Seven athletes were added to the 2021/22 cohort following domestic season reviews with each discipline (5 Moguls, 1 P&P Freeski, 1 Snowboard Cross). The average age of Snowboard Cross athletes in ETP was 16.5 years as of April 2021.

The 2021/22 ETP SBX Athletes were as follows:

• Taya Lilly-Dent
• Abbey Wilson
• Lara Walsh
• Maya Billingham
• Sienna Wessels
• Angus Jones
• James Johnstone
• Max Vardy
• Will McCarthy
• William Melloh
• Leon-Davis Cook
• Oscar Sayers

*The 2022/23 cohort will be announced during the month of May.

Despite another challenging year for face-to-face interaction, we were able to capitalise on opportunities. Some of the the key activites and initiatives for SBX ETP included:

• Pre-Season Development Camp – Jindabyne
  Education, Physical Screening, Athlete/Coach Panel, Teambuilding, Discipline Activities
• Strength & Conditioning
  Provision of facility access / S&C servicing in Jindabyne and Mt Hotham
• SBX Course Training Opportunities
  Select Group of HSI ETP + ETP fringe athletes minicamp on Mt Hotham course
• Webinar Series
  Education based webinars on various performance health and wellbeing topics
• Targeted Athlete Pathway Initiative
  Individual meetings with four SBX athletes/parents, additional resourcing, and case management as required.
• ETP Concussion Framework Implementation
  Best practice, evidence-based concussion framework for coaches, parents, and athletes
• International travel exemption and insurance support
  Formal NSO endorsement of international travel for ETP athletes with appropriate insurance provisions available.
• International Program Activity Support
  Strategic and Medical support to SBX international program including three ETP athletes

2022/23 provides increased opportunity for face-to-face activity and athletes to build cumulative days on snow after two interrupted domestic and international seasons. Snow Australia is committed to our vision of delivering ‘Institute Ready’ athletes in line with our 2026/2030 strategy. Currently, there are several athletes that may be offered training opportunities with / or progress to institute programs in the coming months and years. This is an exciting prospect for SBX.