MOGULS: With his injuries behind him and a new-found strength spurring him on mogul skier Rohan Chapman-Davies is ready to kick start his Olympic qualification season.
Chapman-Davies put on his first pair of skis as a four-year-old and raced his first international moguls event at 16 in 2008.
In 2015 the Sydney-sider became the first Australiaa male to podium on the North American Cup, finishing 3rd overall.
Now, after finishing last season with two World Cup finals appearances and a World Ranking of 29, the 26-year-old is locking in his skis for the bumpy ride towards a debut Olympic Games at PyeongChang 2018.
However, it hasn’t been smooth sailing for the skier from Mosman, who crashed during the 2017 World Championships in Sierra Nevada, Spain and was forced to take four months off normal training to rehab his shoulder reconstruction.
“A grade-five AC joint tear required me to undergo reconstructive surgery to my right shoulder in March,” Chapman-Davies said.
“I worked incredibly hard with the support of an amazing network of Australian physicians, trainers and physios to make a full recovery.
“Given the timing of surgery we knew we couldn’t afford any setbacks or skip any stage of the rehab process. We ticked all the boxes eight months ‘post-op’ and my shoulders are stronger than ever!”
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With just over two months to the Winter Olympics, Chapman-Davies is ready to get back in the start gate and secure those all-important ranking points with 30 men's mogul spot up for grabs at PyeongChang.
“I feel like I am in a really strong position to make the most of the upcoming World Cup competition season.
“With help from the NSW Institute of Sport and surrounding support networks, my body is stronger and fitter than it was prior to my injury in March. This has allowed me to maximise every training opportunity and accelerate my skill development throughout the year.”
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The Bachelor of Commerce university student has spent the past few months perfecting his skills and boosting his fitness with his Aussie mogul teammates.
“Since August I have been building momentum both on and off snow. I spent the month of September in Zermatt, Switzerland training on a full-length mogul course.
“I spent October and the first half of November training at the Ski and Snowboard Australia water jump facility in Victoria. The primary focus across both camps was to refine and perfect my World Cup competition jumps and turns.
“In addition to skill development, there has been a strong focus in the gym on strength and conditioning. This is so I am fit and strong, and to ensure my body is ready to meet the demands of an Olympic season.”
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The strenuous rehab, endless strength and conditioning, and tunnel vision focus is all with the aim of making his Olympic dream become a reality in February next year.
“It would mean everything to me to represent Australia at the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in PyeongChang, Korea.
“It is a dream I have been working towards for a long time and to turn it into a reality would be unbelievable, not only for myself, but everybody who has supported me throughout my journey.
“I have put in the hard work; now it is time to trust the process and enjoy doing what I love to do!”
The first Moguls World Cup is held in Ruka, Finland on December 9. Follow the live results HERE.
Discover 6 things you didn't know about Rohan Chapman Davies HERE.
Georgia Thompson
olympics.com.au
