World Cross Country Championships – Tom Hoogenraad ’16

OIG ’16 Tom Hoogenraad had his first competitive race in Europe in 12 months on the 22nd January this year. He was representing Australia in the Junior World Cross Country ski championships in Lahti, Finland. His father Andrew, who teaches at the Plenty campus braved -16 degree, snowy conditions to cheer Tom on against over 100 competitors from around the world. Tom had this to say about his experience: “it’s hard to describe how it felt to compete for Australia on the world stage for the first time. I am fully satisfied having pushed my body to the absolute maximum on an uncompromisingly brutal 10km course. I am endlessly thankful to everyone who helped me get to Lahti and made sure that I performed at my best.” Let’s hope Tom gets lots more opportunities to represent Australia.