Tudhope takes bronze at Para Snowboard World Championships

Ben Tudhope has made his way onto the Para Snowboard World Championships podium yet again after finishing third in the SB-LL2 Snowboard Cross at Big White, Canada earlier today.

The 2022 Paralympic bronze medallist was defending the world title he won in Spain in 2023 and was in strong form through the opening rounds.

Tudhope qualified with the second-fastest time before winning his quarter-final and finishing second in his semi to make the Big Final.

In the decider, Italy’s Emanuel Perathoner was able to convert his silver from 2023 into a gold medal, while China’s Sun Qi took silver. USA’s Zach Miller, who completed the 2023 podium with Tudhope and Perathoner, finished fourth.

It caps another impressive season for Tudhope who is gunning for a fourth-straight Winter Paralympic Games in Milano-Cortina next year.

“Winning the bronze at World Champs is an incredible feeling,” said Tudhope. “It’s pretty hard to stand on the podium these days.

“I gave it everything after a fifth in banked slalom and I’m proud of what I and the Aussie team has achieved.”

Tudhope’s World Championships campaign follows another season full of highlights where he finished second on the Para Snowboard World Cup standings, on the back of finishing second overall in both Banked Slalom and Snowboard Cross.

PyeongChang Paralympian Sean Pollard (SB-UL) returned to World Championships racing with 10th place in Banked Slalom last week and 12th place in today’s Snowboard Cross, while Aaron McCarthy (SB-LL1) was 12th in Banked Slalom in his World Championships debut.

“To say I’m proud to be standing with this team is an understatement,” said Nickie Rodger, Para Snowboard Technical Coach. “The perseverance and work they have all put in this season has been incredible.

“As we grow as a team it’s so awesome to have so many people be a part of Ben’s snowboard cross bronze today. It is an amazing way to finish the season for him. He’s been working hard and to see his results here and over the season are a testament to his dedication to the sport.

“This win is not only Ben’s but all the athletes and support staff. We have come together to reach the goals and accomplish what we set out to do this season. I am deeply grateful for all the hard work and long hours the support staff have put in behind the scenes to make it all work so smoothly.

“Sean Pollard has made a phenomenal return to competition and his drive and determination has sent his riding to a new level. He’s had some amazing results and we are so stoked to have him back on the World Cup tour full time. 

“Aaron McCarthy’s development in his first international season has been incredible and it has been wonderful to watch him grow from starting the season at development camps and finishing it at World Champs. His results have shown how hard he’s worked this winter and we are excited to see where his career is going. “

“This ends our Northern winter and our guys are heading home and looking forward to a well deserved break.

“It won’t be long again before we are back in the snow and thinking of World Cups and Winter Paralympics next March.”