Renwick Para-alpine skier Sam Tait has been named on the 2018 Australian Paralympic winter team for the PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games.
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This will be the first Games for Tait, who began sit-skiing after acquiring paraplegia following a motorcycle accident in 2013.
The 26-year-old qualified to compete in the Slalom and Super-G disciplines in PyeongChang, after originally aiming for selection for the Beijing 2022 Games.
He will compete in five events at the Games including the slalom, giant slalom, super giant slalom, downhill, and super-combi.
“I was aiming for 2022, 2018 wasn't even on my radar. So to be named on the team is incredible and I honestly don't really have the words to explain it,” Tait said.
“It gives me a lot of confidence that people believe in me and I couldn't be more ready to show them what I've got in PyeongChang.”
Australia has enjoyed success in Para-alpine skiing at the Paralympic Games but has not won a gold medal at a Winter Games since 2002.
Chef de Mission of the 2018 Australian Paralympic Team Nick Dean hopes Tait and the Australian Team will continue to build upon Australia’s renowned success.
“I would like to congratulate Sam and would like to welcome him to his first Australian Paralympic Team,” Dean said.
“It is a true achievement to represent your country at the highest possible level. I am looking forward to seeing Sam’s hard work come together in PyeongChang for a memorable Paralympic debut.” Tait thanked the Highlands community for its support on the road to PyeongChang.
“I would love to thank everyone who has supported me that past couple of years, and to everyone who has donated to my GoFundMe page,” Tait said.
“They have made such a huge impact of my time overseas and having their support has made it less stressful for me so I can focus on training.”
Tait will join a team of 11 athletes and two sighted guides to represent Australia in PyeongChang when the Paralympic Winter Games begin on March 9.
Tait will also be joined by his family, who will travel to South Korea to watch him compete.