Ben Tudhope,
Australian Paralympic Athlete
As Australia's youngest Winter Paralympian at the 2014 Sochi Games, Ben Tudhope has evolved into a formidable force on the snow. Now, as he prepares for his fourth Winter Paralympics, Ben shares his personal journey, the unique challenges of his sport, and his vision for the Paralympic movement, reflecting on a decade of growth and unparalleled determination.
The Fire Within: My Paralympic Winter Journey
"As I head into my fourth Winter Paralympics, I can tell you the fire is still there, burning as intensely as if it were my first Games. To wear that green and gold, to represent my country and make my support network proud, is an honour I've now known for nearly half my life. I can't wait to see the show Italy puts on. I'm in it for the experience and to watch other athletes shine, 100 percent."
The Complex Path: A Unique Challenge
"But make no mistake, the path of a Winter Paralympian is uniquely complex. Winter sports already operate on a smaller scale in Australia, and adding a disability magnifies every challenge. The barriers to entry are significant – financial and geographical hurdles often prevent someone with a disability from ever touching snow or trying a winter sport, making the pathway programs to elite levels incredibly difficult."
Extraordinary Determination: Redefining Limits
"Yet from that challenge emerges extraordinary determination. Winter Paralympians are, in my opinion, some of the most insane athletes you'll ever witness. Imagine visually impaired and sit-skiers hurtling downhill at over 100 kilometres an hour, or four snowboarders battling inches apart on a course of jumps, turns and rollers. And then there's sledge hockey – you simply have to see it to understand. The level of competition across all sports is so high now; athletes push their bodies to the absolute limit for their chance to win. That determination is clear in every moment."
Unbelievable Growth: A Sport Transformed
"Since my first Games in Sochi when I was just 14, the growth of the Paralympic movement has been unbelievable. But what truly makes me proud is the evolution of our specific sports. Para-snowboarding, for instance, has exploded from one person in one event to now having two events, with a third on the horizon. We now race four people on course at the same time in snowboard cross, just like our Olympic counterparts, and the skill level is through the roof – even I struggle to keep up sometimes! I truly believe a main reason for this surge in popularity is that people just want to watch elite sport, pure and simple. "
Visibility and Voice: The Power of Television
"However, despite this growth, the visibility of the Winter Paralympics still lags behind the Summer Games and Winter Olympics, often for those same reasons of accessibility and awareness. That's precisely why it is so powerful and crucial for Channel 9 to be the official broadcaster – to share the incredible stories and extreme action of the Winter Paralympics with the Australian public."
A Celebration: Inclusivity and Adaptability
"Ultimately, the Paralympics empower athletes to inspire the next generation. It’s important to remember that not all people with disabilities are Paralympians, nor do they all aspire to be. But for those two weeks every two years, when the Paralympics takes the spotlight, it's a global celebration of inclusivity, accessibility, and adaptability. The world gets a front-row seat to witness how far people can push their bodies, despite any physical impairment, fundamentally redefining what is possible."
A Golden Opportunity: Connecting to the Unstoppable Spirit
The Winter Paralympics offer brands a unique and incredibly powerful platform to connect with an audience captivated by stories of raw determination, extraordinary human achievement, and the breaking of perceived limits. This is an environment where authenticity shines, and aligning your brand with these inspiring narratives of resilience and growth resonates deeply. When audiences see athletes pushing boundaries despite complex challenges, they are uniquely primed to engage with brands that stand for quality, courage, and true impact.
Leverage this unparalleled stage to elevate your message within a trusted and deeply admired context, fostering connections that transcend advertising.
Looking to put your brand at the heart of the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games on Nine? We'd love to hear from you.
