First-year Psychological Sciences student Lara Walsh has once again proven herself on the international stage, achieving an impressive 7th place in the Snowboard Cross event at the FISU World University Games Winter 2025 in Torino, Italy.
This marks a milestone in Lara’s snowboarding career, following her performance in the Youth Olympic Games in Gangwon, South Korea, early last year.
Snowboardcross is a discipline in which four athletes race down a course that consists of berms, rollers, jumps and drops. The first to the bottom wins.
The FISU World University Games Winter brings together the finest university athletes from across the globe to compete in a range of winter sports. Torino, with its stunning alpine backdrop and rich sporting history, provided the perfect setting for Lara’s standout performance.
“There was some tough competition with many World Cup riders, so I was very happy to make it to the small final and come 7th overall, while making some life-long friends,” Lara said.
Lara’s summer (off-season) training involves regular gym work and cross-training. During the Australian snow season, she trains at Mt Buller in Victoria and races in regional and national events such as the University Games and the Australian New Zealand Cups. During the Northern Hemisphere snow season she trains and competes around Europe and North America.
“I am so grateful for the support I have received from my college and now UTAS that has allowed me to balance academic responsibilities with my training and competition schedule, allowing me to succeed in both.
“If I could give some advice to aspiring athletes at UTAS it would be to stay strong, stay committed, look after yourself and push yourself to the limit but most of all have fun.”
Lara’s next challenge will be the two Europa Cups in Puy St Vincent in France, and then five more races in Europe before returning to Australia to start uni. “My goals for 2025 are to successfully balance academic pursuits with sporting commitments, and to get a podium at the Australian New Zealand Cup at Mt Hotham in August,” she said.
Lara’s achievements underscore her dedication to excelling both academically and athletically, graduating year 12 at Marist Regional College in 2024 and commencing at the University of Tasmania this year.
The University of Tasmania is committed to supporting student-athletes and is extremely proud to celebrate Lara’s success. We look forward to seeing her continue to shine on and off the slopes.
