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Olympic family share their sorrow after the loss of Alex "Chumpy" Pullin

Author imageAOC09 Jul 2020

The tragic news of Alex 'Chumpy' Pullin's untimely passing yesterday left the Olympic community reeling.

The outpouring of grief and heartfelt tributes from athletes across the sporting world, teammates, fans and young riders he has inspired were a reminder of just what an impact 'Chumpy' had throughout his lifetime.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Not really sure where to start, Chumpy was the whole reason I started snowboarding competivley, the first photo was the first time I met Chumpy, I was so stoked when I met him I was all shaky and nervous and couldn’t wipe the smile off my face for days. I went home that night and made this photo my screensaver on my phone for weeks. Chumpy has been my biggest idol since the start, that was a question I’d always get asked when I was growing up was who is your idol and it was always Chumpy, he always had time to say Hi and have a chat but with the flip of a switch he managed to turn into such a fierce and competitive rider and I was always and still am in ore of that. I feel extremely greatful to have gone from that giddy kid lining up to get a photo and a signature with him to have been able to walk along side him at the Olympics. Chumpy truely is one of the kindest and warmest people I’ve ever known and I feel incredible privileged to have known him. He has left an incredible legacy and I know he will continue to inspire me and many other people. Rest In Peace legend. I hope the pow is deep and the runs are perfect cord up there. I hope to shred with you again one day. Thank you for everything ❤️

A post shared by Tess Coady (@tess_coady) on

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

I am shocked and deeply saddened that you’re gone. I’m really lost for words... It’s shaken many people here and around the world. All I can think about is the legacy you’ve left behind. We have had a lot of time together, many memories, with my favourite being at the end of the 2016 World Cup. I vividly remember that season with you and how it was a tough one for both of us. But, we topped it off by winning the last World Cup together. We won double gold for Australia! It was a first for Australia in snowboard cross and it was the first World Cup win for me. I remember crossing the finish line and collapsing to my knees with tears of joy and then went to the side lines to watch you race. I screamed, yelled and cheered as you raced all the way down until you crossed that line. We both threw our hands up at the same time and roared in triumph. I broke through the finishing area barriers and rushed over to hug you. I was so so happy for you. I remember looking at you and we both teared up as we realised what had happened. It was a moment I’ve always and always will cherish. You’re a good man, athlete and role model. Always living life to its fullest, full of energy and always up for the challenge when it presents itself. Chumpy, Thankyou for your passion, drive and energy. Thankyou for the legacy you have left behind. Thankyou for what you have done for snowboarding especially in Australia. Without you, it wouldn’t be the same. Ride on Chumpy, Belle❤️

A post shared by BELLE BROCKHOFF (@bellebrockhoff) on

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

I’m pretty shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the passing Alex ‘Chumpy’ Pullin. He was a hell of a snowboarder, pioneer of the SBX community and world, and from the first time I met him at the Aus Futures camp in Hotham to traveling around the world, living together on the road and competing in World Cup races together, Chumpy was always willing to help me out with advice and some of his good old words of wisdom. He always had a passion for the next generation of snowboarders in the sport and without a doubt he had a hand in getting me to where I am today. Thank you Chumpy for mentoring me though the years, being a good friend, always down for a laugh and an awesome, passionate person to be on the team with. I have always looked up to you, snowboarding in Australia and the world will not be the same without you. My thoughts go out to his family and close friends. Rest In Peace legend ❤️

A post shared by Adam Dickson (@adam.dickson95) on

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Today we are mourning the sudden and tragic loss of Alex “Chumpy” Pullin while spearfishing off the Gold Coast in Australia. Along with our partners at The Olympic Winter Institute of Australia (OWIA) and the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC), we recognize and honour Alex’s life and contribution to sport. As a two-time World Champion and three-time Olympian, Alex attended Vancouver (2010), Sochi (2014), and PyeongChang (2018) representing Australia in snowboard cross. Alex exemplified everything good about sport: passion, commitment, discipline, and comradery that made him a true icon. Alex was known for being a generous teammate and engaged mentor to many young athletes. Offering his deepest sympathies on Alex’s passing, Peter Schure, Vice President of Teams And Sponsorships, shares that, “Chumpy was a true ambassador of sport. He exemplified all that is good and we celebrate his passion, his career, and his life. His passing truly leaves a big hole in our hearts”. As the apparel sponsor to the OWIA and AOC since 2003, we at Karbon offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and teammates. Alex will be sorely missed. To honour Alex’s commitment to sport in Australia and his enduring legacy in snowboarding around the world, we are renaming our custom Australian team competition jacket, “The Chumpy”. During the World Cup season and at the upcoming Beijing Olympics in 2022, athletes wearing their team jackets will keep Alex’s memory alive from the opening ceremony to the final moments of the games. Ride on, Chumpy.

A post shared by Karbon Sports (@karbonsports) on

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Farewell Chumpy ✨❤️ so sad and shocked to learn the world has lost such a bright, genuine and kind soul. You brought the beat, the energy, the laughs and the competitiveness wherever you went and inspired so many along the way. I learned a lot from you and appreciated the chats, the shoots, the events, the coffee catch ups, the training sessions with Nam & the @redbullau family, and that first wings for life world run where i found you at the 10km mark just chilling and waiting for the car to catch you! Glad I forced you to keep running those last few Ks with me, it was good fun. We will miss you 💔🌟 my deepest condolences to the Pullin family, friends and Alex’s partner, Ellidy. 📷 @andygreenimages

A post shared by Jessica Fox (@jessfox94) on

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

I have no words right now. @alexchumpypullin you were such a massive part of my childhood and you will always be an irreplaceable icon in my life. I cannot thank you enough for all the time you spent with me mentoring and teaching me. I will forever remember and cherish all the times talking about snowboarding, skating, music and you playing your guitar. All your advice you gave me for snowboarding which has also been transferred into my skating will never leave me. You and your family were such a massive light during my childhood and if it wasn’t for you guys I would’nt be where I am today. I’m going to cherish the board you signed for me and the ukulele you gave me. Snowboarding lost a true legend today. Fly high beautiful angel forever in our hearts 🤍🌹

A post shared by Hayley Wilson (@hayleykwilson) on

 

Rest in Peace, Chumpy.

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