Over in La Molina, Spain, three-time summer Paralympian Amanda Reid joined Ben Tudhope on the Para Snowboard World Championships podium, with gold in the women’s snowboard cross and bronze in dual banked slalom.
Reid’s transition to winter sports could not have been more successful after starting her season with four Europa Cup wins, and a bronze at her first World Cup before her two World Championship podiums.
“It’s pretty amazing, I didn’t expect it at all,” Reid said. “It was my first season and I was obviously aiming for World Champs, but I didn’t think the result was possible, but all the training paid off.
“It’s definitely amazing meeting so many new people [at the Snow Awards] as it’s my first year competing, so it’s pretty awesome.”
Coaching awards were also presented during the night, with Ben Tudhope’s new coach Nickie Rodgers winning the Paralympic Disciplines Coach of the Year Award, while Australian mogul team coaches Peter McNiel and Kate Blamey were recognised in the Olympic Disciplines category for the second consecutive year for their contribution to Jakara Anthony’s extraordinary season and the men’s moguls team results.
The gala night was also an opportunity to celebrate the careers of retired winter athletes who have excelled on the world stage with a presentation of Snow Australia medals.
Moguls Olympians Britt Cox, Nicole Parks and Claudia Gueli were all presented with the Snow Australia Medal in recognition of their Games participation, service and outstanding achievements, alongside Beijing 2022 Aerial Skiing Olympian Gabi Ash, Snowboard Parallel Slalom Olympian Johanna Lyle and Aerials World Cup gold medallist Renee McElduff.
2023 Snow Australia Award Winners
Athlete of the Year – Male (Olympic Disciplines): Valentino Guseli (SB Park & Pipe) & Matt Graham (Moguls)
Athlete of the Year – Female (Olympic Disciplines): Danielle Scott (Aerials) & Josie Baff (Snowboard Cross)
Athlete of the Year – Male (Paralympic Disciplines): Ben Tudhope (Para Snowboard)
Athlete of the Year – Female (Paralympic Disciplines): Amanda Reid (Para Snowboard)
Athlete of the Year – Junior: Valentino Guseli (SB Park & Pipe) & Josie Baff (Snowboard Cross)
Coach of the Year (Olympic Disciplines): Peter McNeil & Kate Blamey (Moguls)
Coach of the Year (Paralympic Disciplines): Nickie Rodger (Para Snowboard)
Alex ‘Chumpy’ Pullin Outstanding Achievement Award – Valentino Guseli (SB Park & Pipe)
