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Ben Wins Gold In World Cup Finals

vivodigital

Journalist

Almost one year since NSW Institute of Sport (NSWIS) scholarship holder Ben Tudhope won a bronze medal in the men’s snowboard cross SB-LL2 at the Beijing 2022 Winter Paralympics, the formidable athlete has won gold in the world cup finals.

The 2022 Snow Australia ‘Paralympic Athlete of the Year’ and the Paralympics Australia ‘Paralympic Athlete of the Year’ has not stopped chasing his dreams and realising his goals.

“Each win or success is a confidence boost to the next competition but then every failure or mistake is a lesson to learn,” Ben said at the conclusion of the season.

“Between last season and this season, I have put a major emphasis on enjoyment of what I do and being grateful of the little everyday things. I truly love snowboarding.”

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Ben was on the podium at every world cup he contested in the 2023 season, winning eight medals from eight events, his gold medal in Finland meaning the most.

“A lot of change happened this season including a new coach, so my gold at the beginning of the season gave me validation that what I have now is working.”

The 2022 NSWIS male athlete of the year has endured a difficult season due to the lack of snow. The unseasonable warm temperatures across much of Central Europe over the holidays have created a critical snow situation.

“This season has been a nightmare really – competitions have been postponed, cancelled, and changed in very short notice mainly due to a lack of snow.

“Also I’m the only athlete on the Australian team so it’s different travelling by myself compared to being a team like I’ve done for my whole career.

Regarded as one of the fiercest snowboard cross Para athletes in the world, Ben has tried to maintain a positive mindset throughout the competition despite the circumstances.

“I try to not let anything I can’t control affect my mental state to stay in a positive headspace.”

His next challenge is to stay focused for the 2023 FIS Para World Snowboard Championships which have been postponed due to a lack of snow and will now be held from 9th – 18th March 2023 in La Molina, Spain.