Imagine competing in the Olympics with a fractured ankle and still walking away with a bronze medal. That’s exactly what Australian snowboarder Tess Coady did at the 2022 Beijing Winter Games, and now, fully fit and injury-free, she’s gearing up to make an even bigger splash at the Milan-Cortina Games in February. But here’s where it gets even more inspiring: Coady’s journey hasn’t been without its hurdles—from a torn ACL just before her Olympic debut in Pyeongchang to a shoulder reconstruction last year—yet she’s emerged stronger than ever. At 25, she’s not just aiming to compete; she’s eyeing more medals in her signature event, slopestyle, and the high-flying big air competition.
Coady’s story is a testament to resilience. After winning bronze in Beijing at just 21, she revealed she’d suffered an ankle injury during her warm-up—a setback that would’ve sidelined many athletes. But Coady isn’t just any athlete. She’s Australia’s youngest-ever Winter Olympic medalist, and her determination to push through adversity has become her hallmark. Now, with no lingering injuries, she’s training in St. Moritz, Switzerland, ready to take on the world’s best.
But here’s where it gets controversial: While slopestyle is her favorite event—a downhill course filled with jumps, rails, and tricks—Coady’s recent success in big air has sparked debate. Can she truly contend for gold in both disciplines? Her fourth-place finish at a World Cup event in China, behind an all-Japanese podium led by Mari Fukada, suggests she’s a force to be reckoned with. Yet, big air’s focus on a single, high-stakes jump—judged on difficulty, execution, amplitude, and landing—offers a stark contrast to slopestyle’s fluid, creative runs. Which event will she prioritize? And can she balance the demands of both?
Coady herself admits, ‘Slopestyle is definitely my favorite… but big air is pretty fun and comes with a different dynamic.’ Her passion for slopestyle’s longer course and trick combinations is undeniable, but her growing confidence in big air adds an intriguing layer to her Olympic campaign. As she heads to a World Cup event in Aspen in January to fine-tune her skills, the question remains: Will she dominate one event or make history in both?
Adding to the intrigue, the Livigno Snow Park in the Rhaetian Alps—where Coady will compete—is introducing a brand-new course and big air jump with no test events. ‘It’ll be a fresh challenge,’ she says, acknowledging the uncertainty. With medals determined by judges, much is out of her control, but her focus is clear: ‘Getting a really good run down that I can be happy with.’
And this is the part most people miss: In a sport where injuries are almost inevitable, Coady’s ability to bounce back—and thrive—is what sets her apart. ‘Injuries are definitely challenging, but in winter sports, it’s something you accept,’ she reflects. Her journey isn’t just about medals; it’s about perseverance, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
As the Milan-Cortina Games approach, one thing is certain: Tess Coady is a name to watch. But here’s a thought-provoking question for you: In a sport where risk and reward are inseparable, is Coady’s willingness to push through injuries a testament to her strength—or a cautionary tale about the pressures of elite athletics? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
