The Alex ‘Chumpy’ Pullin Outstanding Achievement Award: Matt Graham

The Snow Australia Awards wrapped up in Melbourne over the weekend, bringing together the snowsports community to celebrate athlete achievements from an exciting northern hemisphere season and Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Alex ‘Chumpy’ Pullin Outstanding Achievement Award was presented to Matt Graham, following a remarkable season that included an Olympic bronze medal, two World Cup gold medals, one World Cup silver, seven top-five finishes, and a second-place overall FIS World Cup ranking.

The prestigious award recognises athletes who deliver exceptional results, breakthrough performances, or standout seasons, and Graham delivered on all.

“This award, in my opinion, is probably the most meaningful award of the night,” Graham said.

“Chumpy is someone I looked up to a lot as a kid. I was lucky enough to be around when he was the star studded athlete that he was, and still is.”

“He influenced me a lot growing up, and to have Chris, his dad, share those meaningful words really means a lot.”

This year’s presentation carried added significance, with Chumpy’s father, Chris Pullin, in attendance to present the award on behalf of the Pullin family.

“This medal is very important to me personally,” Pullin said.

“It’s really lovely to be in a room with people who knew Chumpy and have a lot of fond memories of him. I’m really happy to be here.”

Graham also reflected on the strength of the entire Australian winter team, particularly within the moguls program, following a standout season across the board.

“It’s surreal. What a year, what a campaign!” he said.

“We all did exceptionally well. You look at the talent coming up, especially in the Junior Athlete of the Year category, it’s full of future stars.”

“The future is bright, and there’s more to come for Australia.”