Mountainwatch scholarship winner dominates at New Zealand Junior Championships

October 12th, 2010

(From left) Georgia Baff (AUS) Maddy Alexis (AUS) and Laura Whitehead (AUS) on the podium for the Giant Slalom. Image:: Peter Banf

Words | Don St Pierre

Mountainwatch Interschools Snowsports Scholarship recipient Maddy Alexis has recently returned from the New Zealand Junior National Championships, held in Cardrona, with a stash of trophies.

Maddy, 14, has been on a roll this year and it doesn’t seem to be ending anytime soon. Maddy took first place in the girls youth snowboard giant slalom, leading a talented squad of Australians who claimed all the places through to sixth. The Aussie girls also took the top six places in snowboard cross, with Maddy again placing first. Maddy also took second place behind Aussie teammate Emily Arthur in the slopestyle and freeride events.

In the freeride Maddy held on to second in the overall scoring, with 24 points, just behind Hannah Riley of New Zealand who scored 26.8. Interestingly, Maddy’s combined time of 64.84 in the GS was fast enough to place her second overall in the division above – the 15 to 16 year olds, showing she really is a talent to watch.

This New Zealand trip is Maddy’s first international competition. “The competition was really well organised with great courses. The people were very friendly and made us feel welcome. With the giant slalom it was a duel format and really exciting for me going head to head,” said Maddy.

Maddy won the Mountainwatch scholarship based on her outstanding results in the 2010 Interschools Snowsports Championships, including her first place finish in both snowboard cross and snowboard giant slalom at the Subaru Australian Interschools Snowsports Championships.

Maddy’s dominance in the Australian/New Zealand line up will help fuel her confidence as she heads over to Canada to mix it up with the North Americans. This two week training opportunity may be the catalyst to see Maddy’s young career make the next step.

The Mountainwatch scholarship includes return airfares supplied by Air Canada and two weeks of training and accommodation supplied by Big White Ski Resort and Silver Star Mountain Resort .

For complete results from the NZ Junior Championships click here .