Ormondian Cedric Sloane (1935) was a pioneering Australian cross country skier who was part of Australia’s first ever winter Olympics team.
Becoming a winter Olympian was a substantial feat in Australia in the 1930s, where snow sports were in their infancy. Local snowfields were only beginning to be developed and the first ski races in the country had been held less than two decades earlier. Only one Australian had ever competed at a winter Olympics. Most athletes at the games were from European and North American countries where snow and skiing were parts of everyday life, and competitive snow sports were well-established and highly competitive.
Competitors in the cross-country skiing at Oslo 1952.
Cedric Sloane just before he arrived at Ormond.
In contrast, Cedric and his eight team members went to the 1952 winter games largely on their own initiative, most without coaches or other support. The group was accompanied by a single Olympics administrator and the athletes were not provided with team uniforms, let alone other practical assistance. They travelled by ship to reach the Games, with little opportunity to train during the many-week voyage.
Under these circumstances, competing at the Olympics was a significant achievement. Cedric Sloane became Australia’s first cross country skiing Olympian along with his teammate and fellow competitor Bruce Haslingden. For this reason, Cedric Sloane was awarded the Snow Australia Medal in 2020.
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