Summer Paralympic Games gold medallist Amanda Reid is set to become the first Indigenous Australian to compete at a Winter Paralympic Games after being named in the snowboard team on Wednesday.
Reid, a Wemba-Wemba and Guringai woman, won gold medals in cycling at the Paris 2024 and Tokyo 2020 Games, won silver at the Rio 2016 Games and competed in swimming at the London 2012 Games. She began snowboarding in 2023 and won a world championship gold medal the same year.
Amanda Reid with her gold medal at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.Credit: Getty Images
Reid, 30, is one of four announced to the para snowboard team, the first confirmed Australian athletes going to the Milano Cortino 2026 Paralympic Games which begin next week. She is joined by Aaron McCarthy, Ben Tudhope and team captain Sean Pollard. The full Australian team will be announced later this week.
“Amanda’s journey is extraordinary,” Australian Paralympic Team Chef de Mission Ben Troy said. “She has already reached the pinnacle of Paralympic sport yet continues to challenge herself in new arenas. Stepping onto the snow at Milano Cortina is not just another competition for her, it’s a moment of national significance.
“She’s opening doors, honouring her heritage and showing young Indigenous Australians that no dreams are beyond reach.”
For Tudhope, who is returning for his fourth Winter Games, the announcement of three other teammates is more exciting than hearing his own name again.
“I was the only snowboarder in Beijing on the Australian team,” he said earlier this week. “It’s funny, I care less about myself. I care more about the sport and the growth of the Paralympic movement.
Ben Tudhope with his bronze medal at the 2022 Beijing Winter Paralympic Games where he was the only Australian snowboarder.Credit: Getty Images
“Firstly, I think my sport is incredible. Para-snowboarding has grown so much and the skill level has gotten so much better too, so I can’t wait to show what the sport can do in Milano Cortina. And after the Games we always see a surge in participation.”
Tudhope, 26, won Australia’s only medal (bronze) at the last Games in Beijing in 2022, and made his Paralympic debut at 14 in Sochi 2014, when he became the youngest Australian to compete at a Winter Paralympic Games.
“Paralympics Australia always have one of the strongest teams going. I truly believe it. We’ve got some old comers and some new young guns,” Tudhope said.
“Camp is good, we’re all happy – great vibe, great environment. Our team spends the most time together, more than with our friends, more than with our family. So we have created a little family together and everyone’s in high spirits, good vibes, and [we’re] just excited for what’s to come.”
McCarthy, 31, is making his Paralympic Games debut while Pollard, 34, will compete at his second Games after taking time away from the sport following the PyeongChang Games in 2018.
Pollard has also been named captain of the entire Milano Cortina Winter Paralympic Games Australian team.
“What excites me most about this para snowboard team is the mix of experience, talent and sheer heart,” Troy said. “Ben’s experience across four Games, Sean’s leadership and Aaron’s emerging firepower – they have the balance and depth to make a real impact.”
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