LACHLAN Mason has always had the moves on his snowboard but he has now completed what is believed to be a first for any WA boy or girl.
The Kent Street Senior High School student (16) won the Year 10 Slopestyle competition at the Australian Interschools Snowsports Championships in Mt Buller.
The event’s management team believe it is first time a WA student has won gold at an interschool snowboard or ski event in its history.
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READ NOWSlopestyle involves competitors snowboarding down a course including a variety of obstacles including rails, jumps and other terrain park features.
Lachlan said he was feeling nervous ahead of the event but was excited to win the competition.
“I had to train on trampolines because I was the only one without snow conditions,” he said.
“When I’m on the trampoline, I practice on a special board and practice different tricks.
“I’m not usually the most consistent when it comes to slopestyle but I’ve had a few good results in the past.
“It was a bit of a surprise to do well, it was a tough competition but I always try do my best.”
Lachlan’s next competition will be the New Zealand National Championships next month.
He said whenever he was competing, he tried to focus on what he was doing and visualise himself doing the trick.
“Slopestyle can be a dangerous sport because you can hit your head on the rails and get a concussion,” he said.
“My dream is to make it to the Olympics; it would be really great to represent Australia.”
Lachlan’s mother Chantal Miller said although Lachlan spent some time over east in snowfields, he had about half the amount of time on the snow as other competitors.
“The school has been very supportive, the Kentonian Society gave him some money but it is tough trying to balance school and sport,” she said.
“He brings his schoolwork with him and he is doing well at school.”
Lachlan’s father Andrew said he believed the win was huge achievement.
“He is heading over the New Zealand to compete in the National Championships again but we are not sure if he’ll head to the US again or Europe,” he said.
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