In Profile: Abbey Wilson, Sherry Zou Kimiko Cooper

28 IN PROFILE

ABBEY WILSON

Year 10 SNOWBOARD CROSS

How old were you when you started snow sports?

I started skiing at a young age and at around 7 years old I learnt how to snowboard. I started getting into racing and specifically Snowboard Cross at 12 years old.

How did you get involved?

I have always lived in the snow so doing snowsports was a normal thing every kid did in my hometown of Jindabyne. I started racing in small events such as Interschools at 8 years old and found my love to race snowboard cross there. Basically from that first race, I knew that was my sport.

Are you a member of a squad/team and where do you train?

I train in Perisher with the Perisher Winter Sports Club and I was there for the majority of Term 3. I also travel from November to February to train in Europe for the Northern Hemisphere winter.

What are some of the challenges you face with juggling school work and competing/training?

The biggest challenge is just trying to stay on top of all my work when I’m at training or away at competitions. The hardest thing for me is that our competitions are very different to other sports and run for the majority of the day, meaning I don’t get much school work done. Trying to juggle school and sport, especially when I’m far away from school, is definitely a challenge.

What do you like to do when you are not competing or doing school work?

I like to workout, spend time with my friends and family and have cuddles with my dog Albert.

What do you think has been your biggest sporting achievement so far?

My biggest sporting achievements so far have been winning two big snowboard cross races with one being in the Czech Republic in January 2022 and one being at Mt Hotham in late August this year.

What is your greatest sporting ambition?

My biggest ambition would be to make the Australian team and compete in the Olympics, however, in the near future I would like to compete at the Junior World Championships early next year and go to the Youth Olympic Games in 2024.

Who has been your greatest inspiration?

Pretty much anyone who has helped me continue snowboarding, such as members on the Australian team, but I am also really inspired by my older sister Charlotte, as she has come so far in her own snowsports and encourages me to push myself and work hard every day on and off snow.

SHERRY ZOU

Year 6 GOLF

How old were you when you started playing golf?

When I started golf, it was just after my seventh birthday.

How did you get involved?

A friend of mine had been one of the best players in his age division, and introduced me to golf. I managed to enjoy four hours straight of putting, and began group lessons a week later.

Are you a member of a squad/team and where do you train?

I am a member of Bonnie Doon Golf Club, Beverley Park Golf Club and Bexley Golf Club. I am selected in the NSW Team and currently I train every week at Milperra.

What are some of the challenges you face with juggling school work and competing/training?

Sometimes playing golf and doing school work results in working a little later into the night, and it may mean that I have to miss some school days for tournaments. However, I enjoy completing the work to my best, so I don't mind too much.

What do you like to do when you are not competing or doing school work?

I have many other co-curriculars, mainly music, such as piano. I usually practise my instruments during my spare time, and I thoroughly enjoy reading.

What do you think has been your biggest sporting achievement so far?

My biggest achievement so far is playing a two over at Bonnie Doon, my home course. It was challenging, but I certainly enjoyed that game. I also played well at the State tournament where I represented CIS and came runner up, being accepted into the State team.

What is your greatest sporting ambition?

I wish to use golf as a way to be accepted into a good university such as Stanford, and if possible, compete in LPGA tournaments representing Australia.

Who has been your greatest inspiration?

In words, Cate Campbell has been a great inspiration, and although she is not a golfer, her wise words of focusing on the journey and enjoying it has been inspiring me.

KIMIKO COOPER

Year 9 TENNIS

How old were you when you started playing tennis?

Five years old.

How did you get involved?

I started playing multi sports at 3 years old and one of the activities involved tennis. I really enjoyed it so my parents started putting me in tennis hotshots which got me started.

Are you a member of a squad/team and where do you train?

Tennis Australia National Acadamy, Sydney Olympic Park.

What are some of the challenges you face with juggling school work and competing/training?

It is difficult to manage the work load when I am overseas especially when I'm in a country with a different time zone, like when I was in Europe or the US. Understanding and knowing how to do the work can also be a struggle as I don't personally have a teacher to help me.

What do you like to do when you are not competing or doing school work?

Watch movies or TV shows on Netflix.

What do you think has been your biggest sporting achievement so far?

Winning nationals and representing Australia in Europe while also winning a title in Europe and being a finalist in a second tournament.

What is your greatest sporting ambition?

To win the Australian Open.

Who has been your greatest inspiration?

Professional tennis player Emma Radacanu.