Ben Tudhope Secures Australia's Second Medal at Winter Paralympics

Australia - Ekhbary News Agency

Tudhope Strikes Bronze in Banked Slalom, Earning Australia's Second Paralympic Medal

Cortina, Italy - Australian snowboarder Ben Tudhope has added another medal to his growing collection at the Winter Paralympic Games, securing a bronze in the men's banked slalom SB-LL2 event. This achievement marks his second medal of the Games, following a silver he claimed in the snowboard cross competition just last week, making him Australia's sole medallist at the event so far.

Tudhope, 26, showcased his skill and resilience on the challenging course, finishing behind Italy's Emanuel Perathoner, who also secured gold in the snowboard cross, and Switzerland's Fabrice von Gruenigen. This bronze medal represents Tudhope's first Paralympic medal in the banked slalom discipline and his first time reaching the podium twice at a single Winter Paralympics. The achievement underscores his versatility and consistent performance at the highest level of para-snowboarding.

Reflecting on his performance, Tudhope expressed a sense of relief and enjoyment, noting the absence of intense pressure. "Today was fun. The pressure was off. The expectation of medalling was off and it’s fun going out there and being a contender and fighting for the podium," Tudhope stated. He humorously admitted that banked slalom is often considered his secondary event, with snowboard cross being his primary focus. "I always think to myself, I never tell this to anyone... that banked slalom is my second event. I think I’m a border cross specialist and then bank slalom is just something I do on the side. So to be able to come here and perform and get this medal is absolutely insane, especially with the riding going on today," he added.

Despite not feeling he delivered a "perfect run," Tudhope was elated with his performance and the result. "I wish I could have been absolutely stoked with myself, but to still be good enough to put the time down to... medal and be able to perform at that high level. I’m stoked." This sentiment highlights his high personal standards while acknowledging the significance of his achievement.

Tudhope's success in Cortina builds upon his previous achievements, including being the only Australian medallist at the 2022 Beijing Games with a bronze in snowboard cross. His Paralympic journey began at the young age of 14 in Sochi in 2014, making this his fourth Games. His representation extends beyond athletic performance, as he also served as one of Australia's flag bearers during the opening ceremony, a testament to his leadership and standing within the Paralympic movement.

Comparing the current course to previous experiences, Tudhope found the Cortina venue significantly more enjoyable. "This course has been amazing. I think everyone was stoked up there compared to Beijing. Gosh, that was one of my worst performances in that four-year cycle. So in the back of my head, I definitely wanted to be able to put on the show here and that’s what I did," he shared. His strong performance this year represents a significant redemption and a triumphant return to form.

Expressing his overall satisfaction, Tudhope concluded, "I’m happy. It’s an amazing feeling being here, to be at the Paralympic Games, to come away with two medals after being the opening ceremony flag bearer. What a dream Games for me." His journey at these Games has been one of personal triumph and national pride.

This masthead travelled to Cortina as a guest of Paralympics Australia. The Winter Paralympic Games are broadcast on the Nine Network, 9Now, and Stan Sport.

Ekhbary News Agency