Minister for Sport Mark Arbib said under Wordsworth’s coaching and guidance, the Australian snowboard team achieved unprecedented world results soaring to the top of the medal tally at the 2011 World Snowboard Championships.
“Three athletes were crowned world champions taking home gold medals in the snowboard cross and the half pipe giving Australia its first ever number one ranking at a world championships in winter sports,” Senator Arbib said.
“For Ben to win the AIS Coach of the Year award over such a high-quality field is a reflection of his outstanding coaching ability.
“His passion for snowboarding is instilled in his athletes and makes him one of Australia’s most respected winter sport coaches.”
Acting AIS Director Phil Borgeaud paid tribute to Wordsworth’s remarkable achievement and commitment to both the AIS and Australian snowboard.
“His leadership, professionalism and enthusiasm have seen the Australian snowboard team finish this year as the world number one ranked team,” Mr Borgeaud said.
Rounding out a successful night for the Olympic Winter Institute, AIS Snowboard athletes Alex "Chumpy" Pullin, Nathan Johnstone and Holly Crawford were also finalists for the AIS athlete of the year award, finishing runners-up to Olympic, World and Commonwealth Games cycling champion Anna Meares.
Article courtesy of the Australian Institute of Sport