FREESTYLE - SKI CROSS: Australian Freestyle skier Anton Grimus has put a lot of hard work into growing one of the most impressive beards of the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games, but the ski cross competitor will take a cut for a good cause on 22 February. 

When he heard teammate Scott Kneller had started the Rob Kneller Youth Foundation in December in memory of his late father, he offered to shave off the growth he has happily cultivated for two years to raise funds.

Already A$S10,000 is in the kitty so that GRIMUS can once again feel the cold wind on his chin.

"Anton generously donated to shave his beard so we are going to do that on the 22nd, which is pretty exciting," said Kneller.

"He has had it for two years. It is a very good beard and I think he was always planning on shaving it after the Olympics, as I don't think his girlfriend is too fond of it.

"So it was a perfect opportunity for him to do it for a good cause. He is such a good bloke and, if there was anything he could do for me, he was all for it."

Teammate Sami Kennedy-Sim is looking forward to seeing a clean-shaven Grimus, though believes his girlfriend might find she has some competition once the debearding is complete.

"Basically, people are donating money to make sure that that thing's off by the time the Games are over and we can reveal what he looks like under that big Ned Kelly beard," she said.

"He's a very handsome guy beneath that big bush, so I'm sure the ladies will be swooning once it comes off."

The Foundation was set up by Kneller and his brother, Luke, in memory of their father, Rob, who passed away in April.

The aim is to provide young children in their home town of Jindabyne, in New South Wales, the chance to take up skiing.

"It has been unreal and the support has been fantastic," said Kneller.

"We grew up in Jindabyne and there are a lot of local kids that don't get the opportunity to ski. It is an expensive sport.

"Luke and I have had so many opportunities through the snow sports industry and I want to be able to present those to the young kids of Jindabyne and make sure everyone else has the same.

"My father passed away last April so it is still relatively fresh, but Luke and I are trying to do good things with it and find a positive out of it."

To donate, visit robknelleryouthfoundation.com.