It’s been an historic night for Australian Winter sport, with Belle Brockhoff and Alex “Chumpy” Pullin winning the Women’s and Men’s World Cup Snowboard Cross Gold Medals at the season ending event in Baqueira Beret, Spain.
For Brockhoff, it was her first ever World Cup victory, and after two second place podium finishes this season, the 23 year-old Olympic Winter Institute of Australia (OWIA)/New South Wales Institute of Sport (NSWIS) athlete was understandably elated.
Brockhoff was unstoppable today, winning both her quarter and semi-final, and after another fast start in the Final, was able to hold off all challengers to claim her biggest career highlight to date.
Today’s victory also saw Brockhoff climb the rankings to finish the World Cup season ranked third; her best result after finishing fifth last season. She completes the season with the highest ranking of Australian snowboard cross athletes this winter.
Fellow OWIA/NSWIS athlete Alex “Chumpy” Pullin was equally as impressive in each of his finals today.
Pullin was quick out of the gates on every occasion, including the Final, which he dominated from the outset, holding off Canada’s Kevin Hill and local favourite, Lucas Eguibar. Pullin finishes the season 5th in the rankings.
GO belle go CONGRATULATIONS uncle GRAEME