Kate Blamey: Shaping the Future of Mogul Skiing in Australia

Kate Blamey’s journey in mogul skiing started in 2006, when she became an athlete under the guidance of Peter Topalovic, now the NSW Institute of Sport’s (NSWIS) Winter Sports Manager.

Little did Blamey, who began alpine skiing when she was five years old, know that her path would shift from athlete to coach and ultimately helping to guide an athlete to win an Olympic gold medal. Today, she is considered one of Australia’s most influential mogul skiing coaches.

From Athlete to Coach

By 2018, Blamey had transitioned into coaching, taking on the role of assistant moguls coach at NSWIS, working alongside Peter McNiel [main photograph]. As the only female moguls coach on the international circuit, Blamey has forged a unique path in a sport where women have historically been underrepresented in coaching. Recognising the significance of her role, she found strength in her position, which ultimately has benefitted herself, the athletes and the sport as a whole.

“It is definitely a boost for the Australian team,” Blamey explained. “Having a different perspective enables you to say things differently and deliver a different message.”

While she enjoyed the camaraderie of her male colleagues on the world cup circuit, Blamey expressed the hope for more female coaches to mentor the women in mogul skiing.

Blamey’s tenure with McNiel proved fruitful, with one of their top athletes, Jakara Anthony, clinching Olympic gold in 2022. After the Beijing Winter Olympics, Blamey assumed the role of NSWIS Head Moguls Coach when McNiel moved to the Olympic Winter Institute of Australia.

Reflecting on her evolution as a coach, Blamey said: “I’ve developed and changed my approach, to assist and support athletes in their development years.”

Her coaching philosophy has been shaped through experience and collaboration. It has also benefited from utilising NSWIS’s expert resources in areas such as sports psychology, strength and conditioning, and nutrition.

“It’s nice to work alongside these experts and give the athletes the best advice possible,” Blamey said.

Nutrition and Performance: Key to Success

Blamey’s background in nutrition has proven invaluable as a coach. Mogul athletes often face gruelling schedules, with hours on the mountain and in the gym. This leaves them with little time – or energy – to focus on proper nutrition. Blamey often steps in to guide her athletes, teaching them the skills to prepare nutritious meals.

“That’s where my role comes in,” Blamey said. “I can support the athletes in the kitchen, help them learn new cooking skills, and make it easier for them to get proper nutrition after a long day.”

This support has been especially beneficial for athletes such as the men’s team, who have mastered dishes like spaghetti bolognese, with Blamey encouraging them to expand their cooking skills further.

Olympic Aspirations and Beyond

Blamey recalls her proudest career moment as supporting Jakara Anthony’s [photographed below] journey to Olympic gold.

“It was an unforgettable experience,” said Blamey.

However, the success came with challenges. With retirements and new athletes emerging, Blamey acknowledged that the work to strengthen Australia’s mogul skiing presence is just beginning.

Her focus is on developing the sport from the grassroots level.

“If we can build a strong foundation in Australia, I believe we can achieve a medal at every Olympics,” Blamey said.

Cutting-Edge Facilities for Future Champions

To help achieve this goal, Blamey has access to the National Snowsports Training Centre (NSTC) in Jindabyne, which she describes as ‘incredible’ for developing athletes.

“We can train at Perisher, then practice tricks in a safer environment on the trampoline at the NSTC, then access the gym and sports science practitioners,” she said. “It has everything we need to help these athletes become world-class.”

The centre has already attracted international attention, with teams such as the Swiss aerial team utilising the facilities.

“It’s fantastic to train alongside them and showcase Australia’s world-class resources,” Blamey said.

Building a Winning Team Culture

Blamey attributes much of the Australian moguls team’s success to their tight-knit culture.

“The culture of our team is something other countries look at,” she revealed. “We get along so well, and that teamwork is what helps us become the best in the world.”

Blamey’s leadership extends beyond her athletes. Recently, she’s worked closely with Bradley McGee, [photographed below] a five-time Olympic medallist and NSWIS coach advisor, to further her own growth.

“Brad has really pushed me to reflect on my coaching approach, helping me become a better leader every day,” she said.

One moment that stands out for Blamey came after the World Championships when Matt Graham secured silver, but Jakara Anthony faced a disappointing performance.

“It was tough,” Blamey recalls. “But reflecting on it with Brad helped me grow as a coach.”

Looking to the Future

Kate Blamey’s journey from athlete to one of mogul skiing’s top coaches has been remarkable. Through her work with athletes, her commitment to personal growth, and drive to elevate the sport, Blamey is shaping the future of mogul skiing in Australia. As the team continues to rise on the international stage, Blamey is dedicated to ensuring that the next generation of mogul skiers is set up for success, with the best resources, coaching, and support at their disposal.

Frances Cordaro, NSIWS