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Growing up, all Ben Tudhope wanted was to become a professional snowboarder.
Now, he’s not only a widely respected three-time Paralympian but a six-time Para-athlete of the Year.
It was a night to remember in Melbourne on Thursday as a phenomenal season was celebrated at the 2024 Snow Australia Awards.
The Para-snowboard star won the male athlete award while visually impaired skier Georgia Gunew celebrated her maiden World Cup podium by taking out the women’s award.
“It’s a special night. It’s such a privilege and an honour to win the Snow Australia Para-athlete of the Year, alongside Georgia as well,” Tudhope said.
“It’s amazing that we have so many upcoming Para-athletes in Snow Australia, in our pathway program.
“It was an amazing season. It was certainly an interesting season, snow conditions weren’t amazing and there were a lot of gaps between competitions, so our motivation needed to stay high.
“That was my main goal, to keep the motivation up, to ride the best I can to keep it fun. I’m at my best when I’m having fun.”
For Gunew, who competed alongside her guide Ethan Jackson, the win capped off an incredible northern winter season.
“It’s incredible, it’s pretty shocking for my first season,” she said.
“It’s been such a great ride and I’m so grateful to have Ethan here helping me out, I really couldn’t be here without him.
“It’s an incredible feeling.”
Across Olympic and Paralympic disciplines, Australian athletes scored 53 World Cup podium performances which included 18 victories.
Snow Australia CEO Michael Kennedy said the Awards were a fantastic occasion to recognise the incredible performances of athletes, who this season recorded the best international results in Australia’s history.
By Natalie McGarry, Paralympics Australia and Snow Australia
Published 3 May, 2024
