Belle Brockhoff was the first Australian woman to win a SBX World Cup medal for snowboarding. At the end of last season she was 9th overall on the World Cup standings and will compete in Sochi on the 16th of February.
Brockhoff has a rich history of Winter sports in her family. Her uncle, Peter Brockhoff competed in Alpine Skiing at the 1960 and 1964 Winter Olympics, her grandfather Harold Brockhoff was one of the original pioneers of Mt Buller and her great aunt, Joyce Brockhoff has a run named in her honour at Mt Hotham in recognition of her work promoting the place of women in snow sports.
How long have you been aiming for the Olympics?
I’ve been aiming for the games ever since I picked up my first snowboard when I was 10 years old.
How did you start snowboarding?
I started off skiing first when I was 3 years old. My mum wanted me to get to the top level in Ski School and I started snowboarding at 10 years old.
Where is your home mountain?
My home mountain is Mt. Buller, I love it because there’s a variety of runs and you always run into someone you know when walking around in the village.
Are you always travelling?
Yep! Living out of the bag has been part of my life for the last 10 years. I’m overseas from November to March/April. Then I do a few road trips up to Sydney and Perisher for physical and on snow training when I’m back in Australia, lasting 4-6 weeks at a time.
What do you miss about summer?
I really need to get a tan for a start, I’m so white!
Where can we find you in your time out?
I try go surfing, catch up with friends as much as I can, since I don’t see them often, and spend time with family.
What’s different about the lead up to the Olympics?
The training is the same, it’s just as hard as any other year. We all push ourselves hard pre-season.
Who is your snow hero?
Maelle Ricker! She’s the defending Olympic and world champ in my sport.
When you are in the start gate, how do you clear you mind?
I actually don’t clear my mind, I try and keep it occupied by my wax tech talking to me about anything right up until the gate keeper gives the call. I perform better that way.
You are the only openly gay athlete on the team, do you feel a pressure to be a spokesperson?
No I don’t, I don’t feel like a spokesperson. It’s been really chilled.
What three words sum up your sport, to you?
Fearless, determined and fast.