Australian athletes have won three medals on Day 3 of the Winter Youth Olympic Games, which when added to Emily Arthur’s silver on Day 2, makes this the highest medal total at a Games in winter Olympic history.
Australia won three medals at Sochi 2014 and Vancouver 2010. The first Youth Olympic Games in 2012 produced two medals.
“Four medals at a Games is fantastic and to have them across a range of sports is very pleasing,” Chef de Mission Ian Chesterman said.
“And there still could be some more to come. It’s a great group of athletes coming together and it really great to see winter sports in good shape.”
Australian snowboarder Emily Arthur finished second in the halfpipe at the Lillehammer 2016 Youth Olympic Games. Arthur, who was the Team flag bearer, won the silver medal with a score of 90.0 with a sensational performance on her second of three runs, in the pipe at Oslo Vinterpark.
She finished behind American two-time X Games champion Chloe Kim (96.50) with Korean Yu-rim Yeong (84.50) claiming the bronze.
“I’m so excited,” said 16-year-old from Woronora Heights in Sydney.
“When I landed my second run I was over the moon and couldn’t keep back my smile. I’m so, so happy.”
Coach Johnny Lipzker was equally as proud of the young gun with a heap of potential.
“It’s awesome,” he said. “She came here to do a run, she landed it and it was good enough for second. We are all so stoked for her.”
The slopes of Hafjell Freepark, just outside Lillehammer turned into medal Monday, for the Australians when Snowboard Cross athletes Alex Dickson (17, Jindabyne, NSW) started the day with silver in the snowboard cross.
“It’s a dream come true,” said the ecstatic youngster. “I always wanted a medal.
“The final was crazy. Everyone caught up to one another at one point and made it super tight, it was great racing.”
The 17-year-old from Jindabyne didn’t know what to expect heading into the competition but as it got closer there was only one thing on his mind.
“This was just going to be an experience for me but ever since training and then in the lead up all I wanted was a medal.
“I was hungry for it.”
In the afternoon the ski cross racers kept the momentum going. Zali Offord (17, Helensburgh, NSW) claimed silver in women’s event. Even more remarkable given Zali was off skis for 15 days after a heavy race fall left her concussed at the end of last month.
In the men’s event Louis Muhlen (17, Melbourne, VIC), who is also competing in alpine events here, won bronze.
