Snowboarders selected for SSA's Emerging Talent Scholarship program for Snowboard Cross

Six talented Australian teenagers have been selected for SSA’s Emerging Talent Scholarship (ETS) first intake for snowboard cross.

Considered high potential athletes, the six have been identified as having the capability of contributing to Australia’s international snow sport success in the future.  

The initiative aims to maximise and fast track their pathway opportunities and prepare them for future international competition.

Each will receive training and support to compete at the Australia New Zealand FIS snowboard cross races in July and August at Mt Hotham Alpine Resort, along with some of the World’s best snowboaders, including Alex ‘Chumpy’ Pullin and Jarryd Hughes.

The six will also participate in SSA Futures SBX performance camp, headed up by OWIA head coach Ben Wordsworth, that will expose them to a variety of high performance training, including technical, tactical, physical, mental, lifestyle, nutrition, personal excellence, injury management, coaching, equipment, daily training environment and innovation.

"We are excited about the level of athletes that have been offered scholarships and most importantly the newly appointed head coach, Jason Clauscen." Said Wordsworth.  

"We started the ETS program to continue the pathway and progression in Snowboard Cross in Australia and as a way to progress the younger generation through great coaching support and services. Our goal is for the ETS athletes to progress into the NSWIS program over the coming years."

Ben Wordsworth is Australia’s most accomplished snowboard cross coach, having coached athletes to 28 World Cup medals and three World Championship medals, including back to back World Champion Alex Pullin.

The recipients of the ETS for snowboard cross are: 

• Charlotte Batten, age 16
• Georgia Crisp, age 17
• Cora McClosky, age 17
• Bryn Nicholas, age 16
• Angus Pennington, age 19
• Christina Taylor, age 16.

The SSA Selection Committee considered a number of high quality applications in what is a reflection of the tremendous talent across our athlete pathway. Their past performances and performance profile have shown these six to be capable of progressing in the pathway, as well as demonstrating positive behaviour and a strong worth ethic, amongst several core criteria.

These six join other emerging athletes already announced as ETS recipients in park and pipe, and moguls.

Alexandra Rouse
Ski & Snowboard Australia