Australia's oldest Olympian turns 100

Frank Prihoda, Australia’s oldest living Olympian and Snow Australia Medal recipient will reach his centennial on Thursday 8 July 2021. He will celebrate the occasion with an intimate affair in the alpine town of Thredbo Resort.

Frank reaches his 100th year as a man who has truly taken every opportunity life has to offer. From fleeing his native Czechoslovakia to representing Australia at the 1956 Olympic Games, his story is truly remarkable, as he told us last year when he was interviewed after the Snow Australia Medal announcement.

Snow Australia CEO Michael Kennedy wanted to personally wish Frank Prihoda a very happy 100th birthday. 

“Frank’s life has been adventurous and extraordinary," Kennedy said.

“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,” he said.

 Prihoda, who still lives in Thredbo, can often be seen around the village. His advice after 100 years of enriching life's experiences is never to turn down a chance at adventure.

"Don't be afraid to take risky situations. Go through them and try, and do it for yourself. If you sit on your back and don't do these things, you will short-change yourself and miss out on life experiences," he said.

Frank Prihoda's biography is available here. 

📷 | Thredbo Media