Snow Australia appoints Mick Branch as alpine advisor in the lead up to Beijing 2022

With the 2022 Olympic Winter Games fast approaching, Australian top alpine athletes have an additional resource available as they seek to qualify and represent Australia in Beijing next year.
 
Snow Australia and the National Alpine Committee have announced the return of high performance coach Michael Branch to the alpine team, as a strategic advisor to guide our alpine Olympic hopefuls through the nomination and selection process.
 
Branch has previously served as Snow Australia Alpine Director between 2017 and 2019, leading a comprehensive review of the Australian alpine pathway and the development of a long-term strategic plan focused on skills development and building capacity at club level. 
 
His 25-year coaching career also includes a five-year stint as Head Coach of NSWIS and OWIA alpine programs. During his time with the US Ski and Snowboard Association, Branch coached some of the US Ski Team biggest names including Bode Miller, Ted Ligety and Andrew Weibrecht. 
 
“It’s been great to reconnect with the athletes,” Branch said. 
 
“I am really excited to play a part in assisting with their preparation for Beijing 2022. Our aim is to ensure the athletes are as prepared as possible in the lead up, to maximise their potential and perform at their best next February at the Games,” he said.
 
In his new advisory role, Branch will strategically oversee athletes’ preparation to ensure they have the best possible chance to qualify for the Games. Snow Australia Alpine Director Shawn Fleming said that having access to a coach of Michael Branch’s caliber is a fantastic opportunity for our Olympic hopefuls.
 
“Everybody is very excited to work with him again," Fleming said.
 
“His role will be crucial in assisting with the development of individual training plans and identifying the best events to target within each athlete’s competition program. 
 
"His advice will make sure our athletes are in the best position to produce performance outcomes in line with the nomination and selection criteria for the Olympic Winter Games and hopefully be successful in Beijng next year,” he said.