Tudhope, bright spark of Sochi 2014

The NSWIS’s 14-year-old Paralympic superstar Ben Tudhope has capped off a fantastic Sochi Winter Paralympic Games with the honour of leading out the Australian team at the Closing Ceremony in Sochi.

The Sydney based snowboarder became Australia’s youngest flag bearer for a Summer or Winter Paralympic Games when he was given the honour by Australia’s Chef de Mission Chris Nunn.

“I thought my Games were over," Tudhope said. “I can’t believe they asked me."

The 14-year-old registered a top-10 finish from a field of 33 athletes – most of whom were in their 20s, 30s and early 40s – in the men’s Para-snowboard cross on the slopes of Rosa Khutor. 

After Tudhope’s clear and controlled riding over three races, he spent the next two hours speaking to international television, radio and print journalists as well as the domestic rights holder in Australia, ABC TV. 

But Chef de Mission Nunn said Tudhope had been chosen for other reasons beyond his talents for snowboarding.

“It was pretty simple to choose him," Nunn said. “What he’s done for the team off-field when we were struggling, the joy and happiness he brings has been incredible.

“It is such a privilege to have him part of this team. I can tell you if every family in Australia had a Ben Tudhope, we’d be a better country."

Tudhope does not turn 15 until December and was the youngest competitor from the 550 in Sochi from 45 countries. 

“It’s amazing. This whole experience – the atmosphere in the (Athletes’) Village, getting a top-10 in the snowboard cross – and now this,’’ Tudhope said. “I’m over the moon, this is made out of dreams. It’s the icing on the cake.”

Australia’s Paralympic Team arrives home on Wednesday March 19.