ROSIE FORDHAM
BIOGRAPHY
Rosie Fordham has emerged as a trailblazer for Australian cross-country skiing, rewriting history with performances that have placed her among the sport’s rising stars.
Born in Sydney in 2002, Fordham discovered Nordic skiing as a teenager after years of excelling in endurance sports, particularly distance running. Her passion for winter sports and aerobic strength propelled her into competitive skiing, where she quickly progressed through national ranks to represent Australia at the Winter Youth Olympics, World Junior Championships, and World University Games. Fordham’s breakthrough came in the 2024–2025 season when she claimed a silver medal in the 10km Interval Start Free at the U23 World Championships in Schilpario, Italy—the first podium finish by an Australian in international cross-country skiing. This historic achievement followed her debut World Cup campaign, where she recorded a personal best of 33rd in Lillehammer and contributed to Australia’s best-ever team results in relay and sprint formats. At the senior World Championships in Trondheim, Norway, Fordham finished 20th in the 50km Mass Start Free, marking another milestone as the highest individual placing by an Australian skier at that level. She also helped the women’s team sprint reach its first championship final and secured a 12th-place finish in the relay, underscoring her versatility and endurance. Now based in Fairbanks, Alaska, Fordham combines elite competition with collegiate athletics at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, where she studies Statistics and competes in NCAA Nordic skiing and cross-country running. Her career trajectory reflects relentless dedication, technical refinement, and a commitment to pushing boundaries for Australian winter sports. With her sights firmly set on Milano Cortina 2026, Fordham continues to inspire as a pioneer for her discipline in Australia. Q & AChildhood Ambition:
To be an Astronaut Proudest Moment: Moving to Alaska to be on a college team, and subsequently learning how to parallel park on the right hand side of the road! I began this sport .... at interschools. My dad told me and my friends to enter XC at State since we would already be there. I was kind of ok, and enjoyed XC skiing, so I decided to start training. Participation in other sports: I also compete in XC running on the NCAA circuit with my University team. In high school I played soccer, hockey, cricket and touch football. Favourite overseas competition and why: The Minneapolis World Cup in 2024. I have never seen so many people get so fired up about XC skiing. The atmosphere was so electric that I couldn't help but smile the entire time I was out there. Hearing 20000 people scream at a ski race is an experience I will never forget. Sports Hero: Yared Nuguse When I am not training/competing I am: Usually wasting alot of time talking when I should be studying! I'm currently studying statistics at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, where I am on the running and ski teams. Team and uni commitments take up most of my time, but I always try to see my friends for a few laughs and good company at lunch and dinner. Highest level of education achieved: High School, midway through BS/MS in Statistics Sponsors: Kaestle LINKSOWIA News Search: Additional Links:
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