SNOWBOARD HALFPIPE: She is not the most recognised name in Australian snowboarding yet, but 18-year-old Alex Fitch hopes to be that one day.

Snowboarding virtually since she could strap on a board, Fitch had the honour of competing at the inaugural Winter Youth Olympics in Innsbruck in 2012.

With that honour came a page of history for the teenager from the NSW Central Coast, winning the nation’s first Winter Youth Olympic medal – bronze in the Snowboard Slopestyle.

“Winning the bronze medal was amazing,” Fitch said. “It put me on the map, and showed everyone that I can do it and that I really want to go to the Olympics.”

In a nail-biting finish, Fitch also finished fourth in the Halfpipe competition, the discipline which she has since chosen to focus on in her bid for the Sochi 2014 Games.

With defending Olympic Champion Torah Bright and 2011 World Champion Holly Crawford leading the way, Fitch is one of four other young talented riders all chasing the coveted last two Aussie spots on the women’s Halfpipe team.

“It’s great that Australia is really becoming a contender in the Winter Olympics,” Fitch said.
“There are a fair few girls that are really making it on the international scene and I know I need to learn at least two more tricks before my run is really Olympic standard. I am trying my best to just get really mentally prepared so when I get to go on snow, I will be ready to try some new tricks.”

With the all-important World Cup qualification season getting underway in December, Fitch will be looking to leave it all out on the snow, as she throws down these new tricks – a Frontside 720, a McTwist and an Alleyoop 5.

In addition to time spent in New Zealand and Perisher this winter, Fitch has been focusing heavily on strength and conditioning and spending time on the skate ramps and trampolines to perfect her skills off the snow.

She has also been committed to getting in the best possible mental space ahead of her tough qualification phase and ultimate Olympic dream.

“I am feeling pretty good going into the qualifying year for the Winter Olympics but I am trying to stay grounded and remember what I need to do to get myself there,” she said.

“I am just working really hard to get where I need to be, to be in the best shape - mentally and physically.
   
Although still a teenager with much to learn, Fitch is showing all the signs of a future champion.

“I think I have matured a lot as a rider since Innsbruck,” Fitch said. “When I went to Youth Olympics I had never done a World Cup before. Since starting on the World Cup circuit I have competed with and watched the best in the world and it has shown me what I need to become pro and get to the highest level. I have also learnt a lot from the older riders.”

With just days left at home in the Sydney sunshine, Fitch will soon be packing up and heading to Colorado where she will base herself for the Northern Winter. The first World Cup will take place in Ruka, Finland from 12 – 13 December. Follow all the results at olympics.com.au and on social media @AUSOlympicTeam.