Tudhope claims his first overall Crystal Globe

Dual Paralympian Ben Tudhope has claimed his first overall Crystal Globe as season 2019-20 champion, after closing out the gap between second place overall British rider Owen Pick.

Tudhope was awarded the Crystal Globe finishing on top of the overall rankings, after he World Cup final in Norway was cancelled.

The NSW young star finished second overall last season, and worked hard to claim the overall title this season, but for him this season was about much more than just points.

The 20-year-old’s coach, Mikko Wendelin, tragically passed away mid season, with Tudhope dedicating the rest of his season to his mentor and friend.

Despite a year filled with ups and downs, Tudhope shined on the international stage also taking out Allianz Paralympic Athlete of the Month (December). 

Tudhope's season was full of podium finishes, taking out two gold medals at the Pyha World Cup, followed by double silver in La Molina.

He has been known the world over to surprise and delight on the international stage since he  made his Paralympic debut at Sochi in 2014, where he was only 15 years old. He finished among the top 10 riders in the men's snowboard cross despite being the youngest competitor, a performance that earned him the role of flag bearer for Australia at the Closing Ceremony.

Tudhope took up snowboarding at age eight taking after his sister Annabel, who competed on the World Snowboard Tour. His other sister Phoebe competed for Australia in moguls.

Fellow Aussie teammate, Sean Pollard, finished the season in third place overall, claiming the bronze in the Banked Slalom.

The PyeongChang Paralympian Pollard delivered an  impressive result this season in the Banked Slalom event at the Molina World Cup, finishing fourth in both races.

The para snowboard team’s northern hemisphere season is now complete and they will return to Australia ahead of the domestic season.