Winter Youth Olympics to commence for NSWIS athletes

Four athletes from the NSW Institute of Sport are set to compete in the Winter Youth Olympic Games, which starts this week in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Snowboard cross athletes Finn Sadler and Josie Baff along with freestyle skiers Mia Rennie and Abi Harrigan will join the team of 33 Aussies who take on almost 2,000 athletes, aged 15-18 years, from 73 countries.

The third edition of the Winter Youth Olympic Games will feature a two-wave competition format, an innovative concept designed to increase hosting capacities with each wave of athletes having a shorter stay in the village. 

The first wave of competition will take place from the 9 – 15 January, with the second wave (featuring NSWIS athletes) kicking off on 16 January until the closing ceremony on the 22 January.

Australian Chef de Mission and Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympian, Ramone Cooper will lead the largest ever team for a Winter Youth Olympic Games. 

“To be chosen to represent your nation in any competition is a proud achievement and to compete in the green and gold with the Olympic rings on your uniform is a special experience. I congratulate not just the athletes but coaches, support staff, National Federations, families and support for this outstanding achievement.

“My goal for this team is to encourage an environment that supports athletes to have their best performance on the right day, and most importantly to have an experience that leads to growth and development as elite athletes and positive ambassadors within their communities.

“The Youth Olympic Games is the ultimate international multi-sport event for emerging elite athletes, and I am looking forward to seeing the team come together in Lausanne.”