Women of Winter | Sami Kennedy-Sim

Earlier this year, Snow Australia launched its Women of Winter program (WoW) to provide a series of development opportunities for women involved in the snow sports industry.

One of the goals of the program was to connect women involved at all levels of snow sports and ensure that the amazing depth of talent available in the industry could be used to establish meaningful, professional relationships, exchange knowledge and spark professional growth. This is also the idea behind ‘Women in Focus’, a new monthly column that will showcase the stories of some of the inspiring members of the WOW program, highlighting their professional pathway and offering some valuable insights for their colleagues in the industry. 

First up is two-time Ski Cross Olympian Sami Kennedy-Sim, who is vying for a third selection to the Australian team at next year’s Winter Games. Sami started skiing with Mt Buller Race Club Mini Squad in the late 1990s, competing in Club races and Interschools events throughout her childhood. She has been a snow coach and an instructor, working in the race department before she cracked the National Ski Team in 2010 and went on to represent Australia in two Olympic Games and five World Championships, scoring two World Cup podiums in the process.

Sami, when did you decide that you wanted to be an Ski Cross Athlete?

I raced Alpine all through high school and did my first Ski Cross event in Thredbo just for fun. There were whispers of a pathway blooming in the discipline and I shifted my focus in 2008/2009 to Ski Cross with my then (and current!) coach Shawn Fleming.

What motivates you to be the best you can be?

Community is very important to me. It is one of the main reasons I am still engaged at the competitive level of snow sports. I hope to inspire people at all levels of the pathway to enjoy skiing for life! Every year I find that I am able to push myself a little further, training smarter and performing better. The progress is what keeps me going!

What has been your proudest achievement?

Winning the qualification run and standing on the FIS World Cup podium at the first race of the 2020-2021 season (the ‘COVID’ season) was a massive achievement for me. All the unsettling times we had to deal with at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic (and we still do) made those moments so powerful for me and my team.

What's the best piece of advice you've ever received in your career?

Hard Work Beats Talent - When Talent Won’t Work Hard! I remember being bullied for having a go and trying my best as a youth athlete. I am so proud of myself for pulling it together and continuing to control the narrative in my story!

Is there anything else you would like to share with other women in the snow sport industry?

Remember that snow sports are a sport for life! Search for opportunities to engage with the snow sports community, because they are out there. There are amazing women at all levels in our community - building careers, enjoying recreation, pursuing excellence and inspiring others.

Read more about the Women of Winter program