Young snowsport athletes take to the slopes in droves
Published Thu 22 Aug 2019
A large number of young snowsport athletes have taken to the slopes as part of the 2019 Mogul Ski World Victorian Interschools Snowsport Championships and 2019 Subaru SSA Northern States Interschools Championships.
Mt Buller (Vic) and Perisher (NSW) are playing host to more than 4,000 students and their families, with competition continuing across the weekend.
Damp conditions at Mt Buller did not diminish the spirits of the next generation of skiers and board riders who braved the elements in the name of fun and fierce competition.
In her first year of Interschools competition, snowboarder Jasmine Holt finished a pleasing sixth overall in the girls snowboard giant slalom (division 4).
"After my first run we looked on the website and I had come ninth,” Holt said.
“In my second run I ended up beating my first run by about 4.5 seconds,” she said.
The 11-year-old student from Bright P-12 College has big aspirations for her snowboarding future.
“My ultimate goal is definitely the Olympics. I’m not certain I’ll go there but it’s a nice dream to be able to get there.
“You have to have a dream to be able to get there,” she said.
For the moment, Holt is happy to be representing her state.
“I’m just really excited to compete for Victoria.
“Excited to verse anyone who comes, because they’ve obviously put in a lot work to participate."
And there’s plenty to keep her coming back for more.
"Just having the whole experience of new runs, snowboarding in a whole new mountain and against new people,” Holt said.
Both Interschools events also hosted Special Olympics classes for athletes living with a disability. An opening ceremony for competitors at Mt Buller saw participants pass through a human archway and take part in a Special Olympics torch warcry.
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