Graeme Cox awarded Excellence in Technical Officiating for 2025

Graeme Cox has been recognised with the Excellence in Technical Officiating as part of the Snow Australia Community Sport Awards after over 30 years in freestyle skiing as a coach, Technical Delegate (TD), and long-serving volunteer.

For more than 20 years, Cox has been an active member of the Freestyle Committee and a certified FIS TD, officiating at numerous national events, including the ABOM Mogul Challenge, and mentoring the next generation of Australian TDs. 

“I see this award as significant in recognising the contribution made ‘behind the spotlight’ so to speak of those that enable the facilitation of, or contribute to successful events being held in Australian Winter Sports,” Cox said. 

“Receiving this award is a surprise and a proud moment for me as I was unaware that I had been nominated for this. I feel most honoured and thank Snow Australia for the recognition as well as the entire community for their support over the years.

“I have had the privilege of being involved in the sport for a long time and have loved witnessing it really evolve into the outstanding, highly skilled and technically demanding sport that it now has become.

“Seeing the camaraderie between the athletes that comes from the love of the sport and respect for their fellow competitors is inspiring and I see them as worthy role models not just for the younger generations coming through but for sport in general. This has served to create a great culture in the community and is something for all to be proud of and enjoy, which keeps me involved.”

His deep coaching and technical expertise have supported the development and maintenance of freestyle facilities at Falls Creek, Mt Buller, and Perisher, where he also runs coaching clinics to keep the sport thriving. 

Always committed to learning, he continues to attend coaching and TD clinics, even completing a World Cup TD assist. 

“I have had the privilege to be involved coaching young athletes for many years, seeing them have a love for being active, having healthy fun and witnessing some progress through the sport to the elite level is always a rewarding experience,” he said. 

“I feel it incumbent for me to share what I have learned to help athletes and coaches in the sport, particularly at the development stage so that a strong foundation is laid that can equip them with the tools they need to continue to further develop their skills at each part of their journey. 

“In doing so we are also helping young people to enjoy the sport more and passing ahead stronger athletes who will be more prepared should they have goals that can take them towards the elite end of the pathway.”

Recognised for his decades of service, Cox was recently made a Life Member of the Falls Creek Race Club, celebrating his outstanding contribution to freestyle skiing and winter sports in Australia. 

“To be presented with a Life Membership at Falls Creek Race Club is a great honour for me,” he said. 

“It recognises my contribution to the club that extends beyond my time as a parent and honours me in sharing space with a small group of people who have also contributed so much to Winter Sports in Australia including Malcolme Milne, Steve Lee, Kerry Lee and Noeline Lee, so this is very much humbling for me and I am proud for this recognition.

“Conducting coaching clinics at Falls Creek, for me, has been truly rewarding seeing the improvements in the athletes and being able to pass on my knowledge and experience to the Coaches.

“I have really enjoyed seeing and being able to help young athletes evolve and have been privileged to work in an environment where I have witnessed the world’s best athletes competing.

“Thanks to Peter Judge for encouraging and helping me to get started on my coaching journey and to Walt Hiltner as my mentor in becoming a FIS Freestyle TD. Thanks also to the Freestyle Committee and community who initially encouraged me down the path to become a FIS TD.”