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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

we remain one of the few nations elite level competition series here in goals high and push forward as hard
who do not rely on snow making. Australia. All the focus goes towards as I possibly could. The accident
For at least 3 months of the year, the World Cup, World Championship took place in Mid August and by
we have fantastic conditions in and Olympic events which are all early December I was back racing at
Falls Creek and Perisher Ski resorts, held across Europe, North America, the World Cup for Australia.
allowing us to clock up quality on Russia and Asia. Top 30 in the Olympics is my
snow sessions before heading back goal. My best place finish in Sochi
to the Northern Hemisphere Winter. What are your prospects for 2014 was 59th, however with my
In comparison to European PyeongChang 2018? progression since then, I believe
Nations, participation in Cross this is a tough yet achievable goal.
Country skiing in Australia is Currently I hold a ranking that would Currently I am Australia’s best
minimal. Programs such as the see me selected for PyeongChang ranked distance skier.
Interschools have brought in more 2018 Winter Olympics. I have tough
kids to the sport and I would expect goals set for the Olympics and am What is your normal daily training
that participation levels are rising confident I am on track to achieving regime?
slowly. them.
The Scandinavian nations are at A few months after Sochi 2014, On volume weeks, up to 6 hours
the top of the sport with Norway in I was involved in a serious ski of training per day which mostly
particular being the most dominant. accident during an Australian consists of aerobic training such
It is their national sport – almost Championship event. In a high as running, skiing, rollerskiing,
every kid goes to ski training after speed crash, another competitor’s cycling etc. This often includes
school so the depth in competitive ski punctured through my chest 60km skis, 35km runs and 120km
ski racing over there is quite cavity, penetrating into my right bike rides. During intensity focused
astonishing. lung. I was in a critical state and weeks, three to four sessions will
airlifted to Melbourne where I be maximal effort training which
Are there National competitions? was hospitalised for 12 days and becomes quite tolling on the body
Presumably you have to travel underwent surgery to staple the so the hours per week drop off
internationally for competitions on hole in my lung and reseal my chest somewhat. Through all periods,
a regular basis? cavity. The road to recovery was around 3 strength sessions will
a rough one both mentally and be included in the weekly training
The Australian / New Zealand physically. The only way to come schedule.
Continental Cup series is the main back to the sport was to set my

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