I was born with hip dysplasia and couldn’t walk until I was 3. My mum signed me up to a karate class to help me learn how to move. I was the worst in the class by miles, but I found a love for sport.

Since then, my dream has been to represent Australia at the Olympic Games. When I learned that karate was not an Olympic sport, I took up fencing. But then the Dakar 2022 Summer Youth Olympic Games were cancelled due to COVID. 

In January 2024, I was proud to represent Australia at the Youth Olympics in biathlon as the top-ranked Australian female team member. There, Thomas Bach spoke about the Olympic values of friendship, respect and excellence. He said that competition was important, but building bridges between countries was even more important. I never really understood until that moment what the Olympic rings symbolised.

In March 2024, I was invited to an ISMF-IOC Olympic Solidarity camp in Spain, where I tried my brand new SkiMo gear for the first time. In December 2024, I raced my first SkiMo World Cup, and in January 2025, I achieved a top ten result in my first ISMF Under 20 Youth World Cup in Forni di Sopra. I have one more year in the Under 20 Youth category and will be aiming to earn Australia's first major international SkiMo medal at the Puy-Saint-Vincent Youth World Championships in March 2026. 

In February 2025, I achieved the minimum standard to be considered for selection for Ski Mountaineering at the 2026 Olympics. 

I am completing my HSC, and my study and training loads make it difficult for me to work, apart from some coaching, to support my travel, training and equipment expenses. SkiMo is a new Olympic sport, without many funding opportunities. I will need to head overseas to be on snow straight after my last HSC exam for a chance at selection.

The Gangwon Youth Olympics opening ceremony was a defining moment that fuelled my ambition to contribute to the Olympic spirit beyond racing. It is truly something to which I look forward to dedicating my life. 

Thanks for reading my story!

Ava