Winter is coming, and so is Olympian Brodie Summers

Winter Olympian and current Monash University Student Brodie Summers is one of Australia’s finest skiers. Hailing from Perth, Brodie is a real medal chance for the upcoming 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games in the moguls discipline.

I know what you’re thinking, yes, mogul skiing is as gruelling as it looks, and no, I have no idea how Brodie still has functioning knees. However, despite being a physically taxing sport, you can feel the passion and the desire burning inside Brodie.

Brodie tearing up the moguls. photo: brodiesummers Instagram

Nevertheless, when talking to Brodie, through that passion and will to push himself to new limits, there is also another side of Brodie. He is a genuinely good bloke. There are few people as humble and down the earth as the Australian athlete.

To say he’s ‘one of the nice guys’ does not acknowledge the extremely tight-knit and respectful community which is mogul skiing. Brodie could not have spoken more highly of those within the sport.

From the world number 1 Mikael Kingsbury, who he has likened to the dominating force of Tiger Woods or Usain Bolt, to each and every athlete who competes in the moguls, there is an underlying respect for one another.

In addition, the comradery within the Australian mogul team is unparalleled. Brodie’s team mates, Matt Graham and Britt Cox, are his second family, who he spends a lot of the year with.

“It’s a very tough sport, and we all know what it’s like to be away from home for so long, so it really helps to have such great people around me. I look forward to travelling, training and competing with Britt and Matty.”

Catching some air with an amazing background seems like a normal day for Brodie Summers. Photo: brodiesummers Instagram

However, despite his love of travel, Brodie professed that leaving behind his terrier cross miniature poodle is one of, if not, the hardest thing he does every time he leaves.

Upon his return from training or competition, Brodie’s routine religiously consists of “getting breakfast and taking a very happy pup to the beach.”

Brodie’s genuine and passionate character is exemplified in his skiing. His desire to push himself to the limit and improve, regardless of the obstacles, has left him in good stead for the Olympics.

After missing the entire 2014/15 season due to a back injury, Brodie has gone from strength to strength since his recovery. Despite being admittedly hesitant when he returned to the competition, Brodie was able to regain his confidence in the 2016/17 season just passed.

Brodie solidified his good form by taking home the silver medal in the 2017 World Cup event in Thaiwoo Park, China. The performance proved, to not only Brodie but to the rest of the competition, that Brodie Summers is a real threat.

Brodie on the Podium after winning silver at the 2017 World Cup event in Thaiwoo park, China. Photo: brodiesummers Instagram

“On my day, I know I can match it with the best.”

Brodie’s grit and determination will prove to be his greatest asset as he looks to leave nothing to chance in his preparations for the 2018 Winter Olympics. He is poised to have his best season yet and it couldn’t have come at a better time with the 2018 Winter Olympics drawing ever closer.

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Whilst competing at the highest level, Brodie is also completing a Bachelor of Business Specialist (Banking and Finance) at Monash University. Brodie emphasised the value of university, and discovered his interest in banking and finance through his course and internships.

“I wanted to continue with higher education because I know the importance of life after sport.”

Monash University is proud to support and facilitate Brodie’s learning.

We at Monash University wish Brodie all the best heading into the Winter Olympics.

Written by: James Oana

Media Coordinator