Most young athletes from the shire opt for the sand rather than the snow.
But not Juan George.
Juan was crowned national champion at the Australian Interschools Snowsports Championships at Mount Buller in Victoria earlier this month.
The year 4 Woolooware Public School student progressed through the regional and state championships at Perisher Valley, becoming state champion in the snowboard cross. Juan also finished second in snowboard giant slalom, picking up a silver medal in division five.
Juan then traveled with his family to Victoria for the national titles at the start of September where he qualified first in the heats to progress through to the final 32.
The 10-year-old would go on to become Australian champion, beating a field of 45 competitors in division five to earn the snowboard cross event's gold medal.
In his first year of competing, Juan also finished fourth in the snowboard giant slalom.
