Introducing your host Tony Mihelcic. Tony began ski jumping at the age of six, and by twelve he was the inter-school champion on the 25m jumping hills. He also held the distinction of being the only junior athlete allowed to compete on 60m jumping hill in inter-school competition.
His latter school years forced him away from ski jumping, however his passion for the sport remained strong.
In 1968 he emigrated to Australia, but it wasn't until many years later that he learned about the Victorian snowfields. Tony then quickly joined himself and his family in a local ski club.
Over the ensuing Winters spent skiing the Victorian snowfields, his desire for ski jumping was rekindled and thus began a dream to bring ski jumping to Australia.
Each year, Tony returns to Planica to compete against fellow veterans on the small jumping hills, with 2002 marking the inaugural Slovenija-Australia Cup. Tony was awarded a medal for competing as the first Australian at the international level, and he also holds the distinction of being the first Australian to carry the Australian flag down the large jumping hill during official international training.
Whilst in Slovenija for the 2003 Summer competition at Mostec, Tony was invited to open the new beginner's 12 m ski jumping hill. Tony then teamed with 13 year old Petra Benedik and architect Klemen Kobal to win the competition for Australia. Petra achieved a new Australian open ski jumping record of 12.5 m on plastic
During the 2003 competition, Tony met with the Zvone Borstnar, President of the Ilirija Ski Jumping Club, Mostec, who offered to provide support and advice on establishing a ski jumping facility in Australia. Tony also received international sponsorship from:
- the Grand Hotel Union, Ljubljana, Slovenija, who have offered a generous discount in Winter for Australian tourists
- the Kmecka zadruga Krsko Winery, Slovenija, makers of the unique wine CVICEK, which is known to be beneficial to the digestive system.
In February 2004, Tony was invited to represent Australia at an annual ski jumping competition at Predmeja, Slovenija. Tony created a new Australian record on 15 February 2004 of 11.5 m on snow, which will be recognised by the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) as the first Australian ski jumping record.
In February 2005, Tony represented Autralia at the International Masters at Villach, Austria, along with thirteen other countries. This was Australia's first participation in an international ski jumping competition.
On the last day of competiton, 26 February 2005, Tony created a new Australian Ski Jumping Record (MP4, 745 kb) of 18.0 m.
The 2006 International Masters Competition (IMC) was held in February in Kranj, Slovenija. Over 200 competitors representing 15 countries started the competion, successfully orgainsed by SK Triglav, however adverse weather conditions forced the early retirement of nearly 20 competitors.
The first ever Summer IMC will be held in Villach, Austria, from 16-19 June 2006. This will also be the first ever combined mens' and womens' gender event.
