Frank Prihoda reaches his centennial today (Thursday 8 July 2021). Celebrating with an intimate affair in the alpine town of Thredbo, Frank reaches his 100th year as a man who has truly taken every opportunity life has to offer.

After fleeing communist Czechoslovakia in 1950, Frank set about creating a new life in Australia. As a passionate skier he first headed to the Victorian alps to hone his skills which eventually landed him a place on the 1956 Australian Winter Olympic Team destine for Cortina d’Ampezzo in Italy.

Upon his return, Frank’s family started the first ski lodge business in Thredbo, he’s also a foundation member of the Thredbo Historical Society and to this day he’s still active in the community.  In 2000 he carried the Olympic Torch and lit the cauldron on the Village Green on the torch's journey towards Sydney.

AOC CEO Matt Carroll paid tribute to Frank’s contribution to the Olympic movement and to his role in the development of winter sport in Australia.

“Frank is a true pioneer of winter sport. He’s paved the way for many Winter Olympians and the truly amazing winter Team we have today.”

“Arriving in Australia in what I image would have been a very difficult time in his life, finding connection with his new nation through sport and helping to build the foundations of alpine skiing are outstanding achievements on their own. His decision to represent Australia in the 1956 Winter Olympic Games and solidifying his connection with our nation, was a great milestone for the Australian Olympic movement and a tremendous step for the sport in Australia.”

“On behalf of the Australian Olympic Committee I would like to pass on our warmest birthday wishes to Frank and congratulate him on his lifelong achievements in winter sport.”

Frank Prihoda competing in the 1956 Winter Olympic Games in Cortina d’Ampezzo

Micheal Kennedy CEO of Snow Australia talked about Franks dedication to snow sports and the development of skiing in Australia.

“I’d like to personally wish Frank Prihoda a very happy 100th birthday!

“Ever since he decided to call Australia home, he has dedicated himself fully to the advancement of snowsports in our country, first as an athlete and then as an administrator. He was a pioneer of our snow community as much as a ski legend in his own right, representing Australia at the Olympic Winter Games in 1956.”

“His life is an inspiring example of how passion, courage and determination can lead to achieving great things in sport as well as in life. As we celebrate this special moment with him, I want to congratulate him on reaching yet another milestone in a long series of life-long achievements.”

Stuart Diver, General Manager of Thredbo Resort spoke about Franks commitment to the community and his dedication to the Australian alps.

“I would like honour Frank Prihoda’s contribution to the Thredbo community on many levels – as a sportsperson, an Olympian, a businessman and an integral part of Thredbo’s history and culture. Frank is a man of great integrity, dignity, and determination, and has lived his life in the true alpine spirit. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Frank for these immeasurable contributions and wish Frank all the very best for a healthy and happy 100th birthday year.”

Frank will enjoy an intimate birthday celebration where fellow Olympic alpine skier Jono Brauer will give a presentation about his life.  The team at Thredbo also organised to have the ski instructors perform a special flare run down the mountain which ended in a firework show in Frank’s honour.