Robertson-Hahn shares World Cup debut experience

Eighteen-year-old Australian snowboarder Josh Robertson-Hahn took a huge step forward in his international career last month when he made his World Cup debut in Chur, Switzerland. 

Hailing from Cattai in Sydney’s Hawkesbury region, Robertson-Hahn made his first appearance at the FIS Junior World Championships in 2019 and backed up for his third time earlier this year.

It proved to be a great start to his 2023/24 season, nailing a top 10 finish in Big Air, a result Robertson-Hahn drew on his past experience to achieve. 

“I came in with a lot more confidence than I have previously as I was coming from a pretty good northern hemisphere season, I think that played a lot with how I went, ” he said. 

“Big Air went well with making finals and having a top 10 finish, I was really happy with that and felt good to put some runs down.”

Following his success at the Junior World Championships in New Zealand, Robertson-Hahn lined up for his Big Air World Cup debut in October.

“It was quite daunting to compete on a scaffolding jump in my first World Cup, but I used my nerves to focus on putting down a run that I was happy with,” he said “I ended up achieving a run that I was happy with and I can’t complain about a 24th-place finish.”

Robertson-Hahn had the opportunity to debut alongside reigning Crystal Globe winner Valentino Guseli who finished seventh. The pair were born just 80 days apart and have competed against each other for many years. 

“It was nice to see some familiar faces as I already knew quite a few athletes that were there, as I've competed against them before at Europa Cups and other competitions,” said Robertson-Hahn “The whole experience was really good and I feel really great heading into the next few Big Airs.”

Robertson-Hahn will now head to China, Canada and the United States for the remaining 2023 World Cup events before returning home to Australia for Christmas. 

“After Christmas I'm going to be targeting the Slopestyle Nor-Ams in America and some of the Europa Cups,” he said. 

“The exact plan I’m not sure of yet, I’ll be trying to make it to the end of the year and enjoy the Big Air experience that’s on offer.”