Message from Thredbo Ski Racing Club (TSRC) on BJ Kaufmehl

To all members of the wider Australian Snowsports community,

TSRC would like to update you regarding the condition of our friend and colleague, BJ Kaufmehl.

BJ is known to many of you through snow related activities, perhaps as the proprietor of Ski Barn in Drummoyne Sydney, or through his skiing activities in Thredbo. BJ was our enthusiastic and colourful Thredbo Ski Race Club Captain for over 25 years, encouraging alpine athletes’ successes through hard work and self discipline. BJ mentored many coaches alongside their athletes, settling them in to Thredbo and developing their coaching skills.

BJ has been the Race Director for TSRC throughout that period, overseeing Continental Cup, National FIS and Children’s races, and a member of the Race Organising Committee that brought the FIS World Cup Men’s GS and Slalom races to Thredbo in 1989.

You may know BJ in his role of Team Manager accompanying future Australian Olympians in their Sport and Rec team European tours, or through his role as a National Alpine Selector for SSA.

You may know BJ as the Chief of Race on many Interschools races over the years, or you may know BJ as one of Thredbo’s true characters, wearer of a yellow ski helmet, always ready for a quick chat at the bottom of Crackenback or at Avalanche Cafe having a quick coffee.

In early October, whilst holidaying in Vietnam with 2 Thredbo friends, BJ sustained a devastating cervical spine injury in a motor bike accident, fracturing vertebrae and injuring his spinal cord. He was well looked after in Hanoi and subsequently evacuated back to Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney. Initially BJ had no movement in his legs or hands, only in his upper arms. He has had some improvement and he can move the fingers of his left hand and move a foot slightly. 

BJ faces a very lengthy and challenging rehabilitation period.

TSRC have set up a Go Fund Me account to assist BJ and his family with what will be a financially exhausting process for rehabilitation care and equipment.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-our-friend-bj-kaufmehl

BJ can be contacted via Facebook messenger “BJ Kaufmehl” or messages, cards, drawings or letters can be sent to PO Box 230, Northbridge, NSW, 1560.

BJ has done so much for the Australian Alpine community, please help us to return the favour at least in small part. We are certain that all of you wish him the best possible recovery and support.

Thredbo Ski Racing Club