Sport: Cross Country Skiing DOB: 06/03/20023 Place of Birth: Brisbane, QLD Place of Residence:Boulder, CO, USA OWIA Athlete Performance Contract Commenced: 2024
Personal Best Results: Individual
World Cup - 40th (Men's 10km Interval Start Free), Minneapolis, USA, 2024
World Cup - 17th (Mixed 4 x 5km Relay) Engadin, SUI, 2025
World Cup - 22nd (Men's Team Sprint Classic), Cogne, ITA, 2025
Note: current as @ 07/04/2025
Olympic Winter Games Attended
2022 - Beijing, China
BIOGRAPHY
Hugo Hinckfuss is one of Australia’s most promising cross-country skiers, combining international experience with a strong collegiate career in the United States.
Born in Brisbane in 2003, Hinckfuss began skiing through a school program in Sydney and quickly progressed to national prominence, representing Australia at the 2020 Winter Youth Olympic Games in Lausanne. His trajectory continued upward when, at just 18 years old, he made his Olympic debut at Beijing 2022, competing in the sprint freestyle and 15km classic events. These early experiences laid the foundation for his development into a world-class endurance athlete.
Hinckfuss has since established himself on the FIS World Cup circuit and at major championships. He competed at multiple World Junior Championships, achieving top-30 finishes, and transitioned into senior competition with appearances at World Cups in Europe and North America. His personal best World Cup result to date is 40th in the men’s 10km interval start free in Minneapolis in 2024, alongside strong team performances such as 17th in the mixed relay at Engadin and 22nd in the men’s team sprint in Cogne in 2025.
He also raced at the Under-23 World Championships in Schilpario, Italy, and continues to build experience in mass start and sprint formats. Across his career, Hinckfuss has competed in more than 70 FIS-sanctioned events, earning multiple podiums in roller skiing and ranking among Australia’s top endurance athletes.
Away from the World Cup circuit, Hinckfuss is a standout for the University of Colorado ski team, where he has qualified for NCAA Championships and earned All-Academic honors. His collegiate record includes numerous top-10 finishes and podium appearances in RMISA competitions, reinforcing his reputation as a versatile and resilient competitor. With a strong training base, international exposure, and Olympic experience,
Hinckfuss is firmly focused on Milano Cortina 2026, aiming to elevate Australian cross-country skiing to new heights on the global stage.
Q & A
Childhood Ambition: Football (soccer) player
Proudest Moment: Qualifying 10th at World Junior Championships
I began this sport .... by a series of fortunate coincidences
Participation in other sports: Football, swimming, rowing, track
Favourite overseas competition and why: Besh Cup (Alaska, USA). I love skiing in Alaska
Sports Hero: Kristian Blumenfelt
When I am not training/competing I am: Sleeping
Highest level of education achieved: Currently studying at college