Gus Johnstone announced as 2023 recipient of the Young Achiever Award

Alpine and Ski Cross athlete Gus Johnstone has been announced as the 2023 recipient of the Young Achiever Award in the Snow Australia Community Sport Awards. This award recognises a young athlete who has achieved excellence both on and off the snow, or who has overcome adversity, or achieved something special within the community.

Johnstone has been identified as a consistent performer at all events he entered over the season. Known to both his junior and senior teammates at Team Hotham as a positive and hard-working role model, he is a high achiever both on and off the snow. 

On receiving this award, Johnstone was humbled to be recognised. 

“I think that it is a huge privilege to receive this award, seeing as though I am up against many other young Athletes just like myself who work just as hard,” he said. 

“It feels great to be awarded for my efforts over the past few years and definitely inspires me to go further with my skiing.”

Johnstone’s on snow achievements this season reflected his hard work and dedication, with improvement in both speed and finish rate helping to secure first place in the Division 2 Alpine
and Ski Cross at the 2023 Victorian Interschools Championships. At the Australian Children’s Carnival, he had two first places and two second places in the Slalom.

Reflecting on his performance at the 2023 Victorian Interschools Championships, Johnstone shared he was relieved to have placed first in a tough race. 

“The race was pretty tough, Mt Buller had a bit of a tricky season with the lack of snow so going over there for the Interschools was a bit of a fright, however the track pulled up very well,” he said. 

“I was at the bottom age of my division, so the competition was certainly hard. I had a very relaxed start to the race and after the first run, I was placing 2nd. 

“My second run went smoothly. I was at the bottom waiting for the winner of the first race to come down, which was very nerve-racking. When he came across the finish line I was very happy to see that I had won.”

Having joined Team Hotham Club at eight years old, Johnstone values the community and the environment that is fostered at the club. 

“I have made some awesome friendships with athletes at the club, and the coaches make it very comfortable for everyone in the club.

“I think that the athletes in my ski group at the club have a great connection as well. There are about nine of us and we all get along very well, something you don’t always experience within sports groups.”

Johnstone is extremely grateful to those who supported him over both the 2023 season and in previous years, from coaches and club officials to his parents. Johnstone credits his support network for helping with his improvement.

“[I would like to thank] Sam Watson who has been my coach for the past three years, and over those years my skiing has improved immensely and I would also like to thank the head of the club Jeff Books, who has definitely made an impact on Team Hotham since he re-joined. 

“And of course, I would like to thank my parents. My dad makes a 7-hour drive every weekend in winter to see us, on top of working five days a week. My mum is always up to help me out if needed, and shows huge support to my skiing every day.”

Looking towards the future, Johnstone is excited to continue his training with his coaches and teammates while skiing to the best of his abilities.