Women of Winter - Millie Bongiorno

Australian Alpine Snowboarder Millie Bongiorno has been snowboarding for almost 20 years, and her experiences at World Cups around the world - alongside a supportive team - are what truly epitomise her deep passion for the sport.

“I began snowboarding at the age of 10, originally to fill in a school team for interschools,” Bongiorno said. 

“I was terrible, and it probably took me three times as long as other participants to find my way down to the finish line!

“But now, I love the atmosphere at a World Cup - the people, the air - everything is buzzing. 

“Whilst our sport is an individual sport, I really feel like everyone on the Alpine Snowboard Tour is connected and wants the best for one another. 

“I love that we can all celebrate each other's achievements but also know that we can share our disappointments too, and motivate one another to get back up and keep fighting to be better every time we get on our boards. 

“Trying to pick a favourite spot is almost impossible and I feel so fortunate to see so many beautiful areas through snowboarding. 

“I have been lucky enough to train and compete in the Dolomites in Italy and across the Swiss alps, and every time I’m there I often just have to stop and take in the views, pinching myself that I get this opportunity.

“I still remember the first international podium I ever got at a NorAm Cup in Colorado, America. 

“Not only was it my first international podium - but it was a win too. 

“I called my family to tell them and we all started crying over the phone. 

“It felt like so much hard work had suddenly paid off and everyone could see how serious this small Australian rider was about Alpine Snowboarding. 

“The same happened with my first European Cup podiums, I called my family in tears and showed the Europeans that Australian snowboarders are a force to be reckoned with. 

“However, the highlight for me has to be from Bulgaria in early 2024 - I had just achieved my first top 20 World Cup result - a PB. 

“To say I was one of the top 20 snowboarders in the world was something I had only ever dreamed of. 

“Then days later I backed it up with a podium finish in a European Cup. I didn't qualify well earlier on - but I was hungry for the success and so driven to achieve it. 

“I am really proud of the fight I showed that day, and use it to motivate myself whenever I am feeling low - a bad qualification result doesn’t determine the finishing order,” Bongiorno said. 

The moments of peace within the action that Millie finds when snowboarding is what she loves most about the sport, and 17 years on her dream to represent Australia at the Olympics is still at the forefront. 

“I absolutely love the rush of adrenaline I get from snowboarding, but also the sense of calm,” she said. 

“There are times where I am in what’s called the ‘flow state’ and I feel like I am riding through clouds. 

“There’s no noise, no stress and no fear - just me and my snowboard. I don't have to think, I am fully connected with my board and the snow and time slows down. 

“My board doesn’t chatter, it glides, and I truly feel that every carve is occurring perfectly and naturally, like I have been doing it for centuries! 

“Those moments remind me of why I love snowboarding, I am calm and I am flying!

“My goal has always been to stand on multiple World Cup podiums and to be the most successful Australian Alpine Snowboarder yet.

“But, the ultimate goal is to represent Australia at an Olympic Winter Games. 

“I told myself when I was 12 years old that I would make it to the Olympics for snowboarding, and now I am so close to achieving that - so I guess in a way a goal of mine is to make 12 year old Millie proud and to never give up on her goal of being an Olympian.

“I love to have my own quiet time before a World Cup to help myself prepare. 

“Sometimes I can get too worked up with the excitement of competing, so taking some time alone to visualise the race and journal is what I need to bring a sense of calm and find my flow state. 

“Most people need loud, pumping music to get excited, but for me it’s the opposite - to calm the nerves and build a strong, positive mindset before stepping into the start gate,” she said. 

During her Alpine Snowboard journey, Millie’s biggest influence on her athlete career has been Olympian Johanna Lyle (Shaw), who has been a supportive figure through the highs and lows. 

“I really can't thank Johanna Lyle (Shaw) more for her guidance and support when I first got into Alpine Snowboarding,” Bongiorno said. 

“She set me on my path in Alpine, guiding me to world class training facilities half way across the globe and introducing me to a number of athletes and coaches who would all help me get to where I am now. 

“She motivated me to keep going through the hard times and was always there to provide advice and advocate for me. 

“I truly hope I can be the same support system for someone else in Alpine Snowboarding at some point down the line and that through this we can continue to grow the sport of Alpine Snowboarding in Australia. 

“Some advice I want other young girls, who are wanting to pursue the athlete pathway, to know - is that passion and hard work beat talent any day!

“I want other young athletes to know that it doesn’t matter if you aren’t the top of your class or the fastest at Interschools - if you keep showing up, keep being passionate and keep working hard, you can achieve your dreams,” she said.