Dual Paralympian Ben Tudhope has won bronze in the snowboard slalom at the Para Snow Sports world championships in Lillehammer.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Eyeing a third Paralympics in Beijing in March, the 22-year-old clinched the medal in the men's dual banked slalom SB-LL2 event.
Tudhope placed seventh in the event at the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Paralympics, but this was the first time the dual-banked slalom was included at the world titles.
Sydneysider Tudhope was thrilled to edge Great Britain's Ollie Hill for a spot on the podium by 1.08 seconds.
"I think to get on the podium at the world championships is an amazing achievement and I am honoured to be able to represent my country and the team and everyone here," Tudhope said.
Ranking first in qualifying, Tudhope said he was feeling upbeat heading into the finals but the conditions provided a challenge for all riders.
"I was feeling really good about the race in the morning, but it was definitely difficult racing today ... the course was absolute concrete," he said.
"I had a little mistake in my semi-final and that cost me that race.
"I kept my routine and knew that if I stayed on my feet and rode cleanly I could pick up that bronze medal and that's what I did at the end of the day, so I'm really happy and now ready for Boardercross next week which is super exciting."
American Zach Miller took home the gold ahead of Alex Massie from Canada.
Australia also has six Para-Alpine skiers competing in Lillehammer - Sam Tait, Patrick Jensen, Jonty O'Callaghan, Mitchell Gourley, Josh Hanlon and Mel Perrine.
Jensen, with guide Amelia Hodgson, finished seventh in the Men's Downhill- Vision Impaired while O'Callaghan placed 26th in the men's standings.
Australian Associated Press
