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Pollard selected for Paralympics

Headshot of Mitchell Woodcock
Mitchell WoodcockSouth Western Times

Three years after receiving life-threatening injuries from a great white shark, Bunbury snowboarder Sean Pollard will realise his dream of competing at the Paralympic Winter Games.

Pollard is one of 11 athletes chosen for the Australian team to head to PyeongChang next month.

The 26-year-old will compete in the banked slalom and snowboard cross SB-UL for athletes with upper limb impairments.

Pollard is one of just four para-snowboarders on the Australian team and has been picked in the squad after taking the sport up in 2015.

The former South Bunbury footballer lost his left arm and part of his right arm in a great white shark attack while surfing at Esperance in 2014 and has spent the past two years working towards his goal of competing in the games in South Korea.

Pollard told the South Western Times that he was happy to make the team.

“I sort of knew I would be going with my results, but it was good to make it official,” he said. “I am just happy to be representing Australia.”

Pollard said he wanted to focus on his riding.

“I would be happy if I got inside the top eight,” he said.

“I had a good month of training in Canada and a good lead in at the last event where I finished fifth.

“I am just hoping to improve on that.”

Pollard’s family will head over to South Korea to watch him compete.

“My mum, two younger brothers and my partner Clare is coming as well,” he said.

“Having that solid support base has helped me get through a lot.

“I know they will be proud of me.”

Australia has enjoyed success at the Paralympic Winter Games but has not yet won a medal in the sport of para-snowboard.

2018 Australian Paralympic Team Chef de Mission Nick Dean said he hoped Pollard and the Australian Team could win its first medal in the sport and also its first Paralympic Winter gold medal since 2002.

“I would like to congratulate Sean and welcome him to the Australian team,” Mr Dean said.

“It is a true achievement to represent your country at the highest possible level. Sean’s motivation and passion have brought him far in his sport and I’m looking forward to seeing his hard work come together for some great performances in PyeongChang.”

Collie skier Shaun Pianta and his sighted guide Jeremy O’Sullivan have also qualified but officials are waiting for a diagnosis on Pianta’s knee injury before it is revealed if they will be selected.

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