With two Olympians in the family, the Steggall name holds weight in the world of winter sport. As the 16-year-old competes at Lausanne 2020, he will become the third in his family to don the green and gold for Team Australia. 

Joey’s aunt, Zali Steggall, currently holds the title of Australia’s most successful alpine skier. Having won bronze in the women’s slalom at the Nagano 1998 Winter Olympics, she became the first Australian ski racer to ever win a medal at a Winter Games. Zali competed at four Winter Olympics: Albertville 1992, Lillehammer 1994, Nagano 1998 and Salt Lake City 2002. 

Joey said his aunt’s success in alpine racing has been a major inspiration for his own ski racing pursuits. 

“She [Zali] made me believe that anything was possible, she’s the reason I’m here," he said.

Zali moved into politics following her ski racing career and is currently working as Independent MP for Warringah.

Joey said he has learnt a lot from his family's work ethic, something that has helped him in his preparation for the Games.

"They've shown me that hard work pays off. My family have taught me to work hard in anything I do.

“My dad and sister both snowboard, but I made the decision to take up skiing and I’m glad I did.”

His father, Zeke Steggall, is also a dual Winter Olympian, having represented Australia in snowboard at Nagano 1998 and Salt Lake City 2002. 

While competing in Nagano, Zeke was able to watch his sister win the bronze, making history as the first Australian female Winter Olympic medallist. 

“The whole family was there in the stands watching," Zeke said, reflecting back on his sister's achievement. "Like any ski race, it was nerve-wracking. When we knew she had a medal, it was just an incredible moment."

Joey’s family, including his sister, parents and grandparents, have all travelled to Lausanne to cheer him at the Winter Youth Games, with alpine taking place at the ski resort of Les Diablerets.

Joey said Zali sent him a good luck message before his first event earlier in the week.

“She wished me luck and told me anything was possible. She said that the Olympics are anyone’s game." 

Joey's father has made sure to offer as much support as possible in the lead up to the Games.

“The Youth Olympic Games are different from any of the races he’ll have ever done before. There is more pressure. They’ve never had to race with spectators like this. It automatically puts more pressure on them," Zeke said.

“In terms of advice, I always make sure to talk with him about technique and help him prepare his skis and equipment.

"I told him to not hold back during his races and just go for it. I told him to make the most the events but still stay focused on his skiing and racing. Once the race is over, just enjoy the moment and the Games experience."

Joey, who started skiing at 18-months and started racing as a 4-year-old, said that he is drawing inspiration from his family to guide him through his Games.

“Having two Olympians in the family has shown me that anything is possible. I know I can achieve anything because they have both led the way for me."

The 16-year-old finished 47th in the Super-G on Friday. He will compete in the Giant Slalom on January 13 and Slalom on the 14th during the first wave of Lausanne 2020, 10-15 January. 

Discover more about the Lausanne 2020 Games HERE, and meet the 33-athlete Australian Team HERE.

Lucy Redford-Hunt