The Victorian Interschools Championships took place at Mt Buller over seven days from August 19 to August 25, and young athletes from Hotham’s three snowsport programs were among the most successful at this year’s event. While kids officially represent their school teams at such competitions, there is a healthy rivalry between all clubs and their home mountains.
Mount Hotham Racing Squad had the biggest contingent from Hotham, fielding 45 skiers who lined up across all downhill disciplines and divisions, with the club’s youngest entrant just six years of age. Podium places were aplenty but more importantly the majority of teamHotham racers achieved personal bests, a goal that many of their kids went into the week aiming for.
It was a fantastic week of competition and results for Hotham Snowboarders Inc athletes with terrific success across the board and most of the HSI crew qualifying for nationals. With a wide-ranging group of young shredders, the club tallied five firsts, five seconds and a third competing in division 2 through to division 5.
Mount Hotham Free Ski had 18 athletes in action at Mt Buller and even with half of those entering for the first time it was one of the club's most successful trips to Interschools. Slopestyle proved to be the standout event for Free Ski kids, with most collecting strong finishes, including podium positions.
Camaraderie among the three programs was high, with kids and their families keenly supporting their club mates and fellow Hotham skiers and boarders. The success each achieved is a credit to the training commitment by the kids, the support of their families, and the work of dedicated coaches and all others involved in Hotham snowsports.
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