Remembering Alex „Chumpy“ Pullin

Exactly one year has passed, since one of snowboard’s greatest has passed in a tragic spearfishing accident on Australia’s Gold Coast.

It was a tragic loss that affected the entire winter sport community around the world. And while he is missed very greatly, his legacy will live on forever, and here is why…

At the end of June, Australia’s winter sport community has come together to honour the legend of three-time Winter Olympian Alex “Chumpy” Pullin with the athlete accommodation at the Olympic Training Centre at Mt Buller named “Chumpy’s Lodge”.

Chumpy’s parents Sally and Chris Pullin together with partner Ellidy Vlug were present at Mt Buller for the dedication in honour of the snowboard pioneer, Olympic Team flagbearer and two-time world champion.

Chief Executive Officer of the Olympic Winter Institute of Australia (OWIA) Geoff Lipshut says it’s important that athletes know Chumpy’s story and the contribution he made to snowsport in Australia.

“As we approach the first anniversary of Chumpy’s tragic passing, this is fitting recognition. All athletes now staying at athlete accommodation at Mt Buller will learn of his story via the memorabilia here and preserve his memory through the reference to Chumpy’s Lodge as a part of each training camp.

“Chumpy genuinely believed that anything was possible, which is why he was so important to the athletes of his generation, and through Chumpy’s Lodge, generations to come.”

Chumpy Pullin was born in the Mt Buller area, his parents owned a Ski and Snowboard shop in the sub-alpine town of Mansfield.  Chumpy learnt to snowboard at Mt Buller at eight years of age and went on to be the first Australian winter sports man or woman to win two World Championships in 2011 and 2013 and a triple Olympian 2010. 2014 and 2018 where he placed sixth in the Olympic final.  Chumpy is the most successful skier or snowboarder to grow up in the Mt Buller area.

Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) Vice President and past Chef de Mission of the Winter Team at Vancouver (2010), Sochi (2014) and PyeongChang (2018) Ian Chesterman says Chumpy Pullin’s passion left an indelible mark on winter sport in Australia.

“Chumpy was a natural leader, which is why he carried the flag for Australia at the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games in Sochi 2014.

“He was passionate about building winter sport in this country, which is why this OWIA initiative is so important. We were desperately sad to lose him but his legacy will live on. Everyone who passes through the doors of Chumpy’s Lodge will understand that history,” Mr Chesterman concluded.

#ShredforChumpy

Furthermore, on July 8, the winter sport community brought #ShredforChumpy to live, to remember Chumpy and his legacy. Australian ski resorts, as well as winter sport athletes, but also friends and fans around the world participated by either shredding on their snowboards, skateboards, surfboards or doing anything that reminded them of Chumpy. What an incredible way to pay tribute to the two-time SBX World Champion.

"Bubba Chump" is on its way...

And lastly, the most touching and incredible news reached us earlier this month, as Ellidy Vlug, Chumpy’s partner, announced that she was pregnant with their baby via IVF. Unreal for sure, but amazing at the same time. We can’t wait to welcome this little shredder to the world and we wish Ellidy all the best with the pregnancy.