Fun, friendships and first podiums: Children’s Championships has it all
Published Thu 28 Aug 2025
More than 150 young athletes from Australia’s six ski racing clubs have travelled to Mount Hotham this week for the highly anticipated 2025 Children’s Championships which start Friday.
This cornerstone event for U14 and U16 alpine skiers spans four action-packed days, offering athletes the chance to compete across Slalom, Giant Slalom and Ski Cross disciplines.
Several of Australia’s current National Alpine Team have passed through the gates of the competition, with many claiming podiums before stepping onto the international stage.
National athletes including, Sophie Mahon, Sammi Gaul, Hugh McAdam and Phoebe Heaydon currently competing at the Australia New Zealand Cup (ANC) in Thredbo fondly recalled their own experiences with “fun” emerging as the universal theme.
“My favourite thing about competing in the Children’s Champs when I was younger was meeting up with all my other friends from the different clubs, and it was great to all be together and send it as fast as we could,” said Sophie Mahon.
“My favourite part of the Children’s Champs was travelling to Victoria, to compete at new resorts. Trying to race as fast as I can,” said Sammi Gaul.
“Definitely hanging out with my mates and the friendships I made along the way,” said Hugh McAdam.
“Hanging out with my friends and the barbecues after were always the best,” said Phoebe Heaydon.
The 2025 Children’s Championships will run from Friday 29 August until Monday 1 September.
