Australian snowboarder Tess Coady’s journey in the competitive world of snowboarding has been marked by determination and resilience, particularly following a series of injuries. Last year, during a competition in Austria, Coady dislocated her right shoulder—a repetitive injury that had plagued her for four years. Despite the ongoing dislocations, the Olympic bronze medallist had refrained from surgery, grappling with doubts about the necessity of such a procedure.
Coady describes the mental toll of her condition, noting how common narratives from peers can create a "toxic" mindset surrounding shoulder injuries—many athletes seem to brush off repeated dislocations as manageable. However, the rehabilitation process is arduous and anxiety-inducing, especially given the looming risk of further joint damage. Ultimately, Coady acknowledged the importance of facing this challenge head-on and decided to pursue surgical intervention.
Nine months ahead of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, Coady reflects on her past experiences, including a serious ACL injury that interrupted her Olympic debut in 2018. Her time spent recovering from her shoulder dislocation was particularly tough. Coady found herself struggling with the disparity between her rehabilitation efforts and the social media portrayals of fellow athletes actively competing. To safeguard her mental health, she consciously reduced her social media engagement, recognising that comparing herself to others only deepened her frustrations during recovery.
Coady’s resolve has been illuminated in a short film titled Head Peace, which highlights her journey through injury and resilience, and has received attention in the 2025 Webby Awards. Throughout her career, she has accumulated various accolades, including a World Cup gold and an X-Games silver, alongside her memorable Olympic bronze in Beijing.
Now, Coady is healthy and refocused on her passion for snowboarding, having begun the sport at the age of nine during family trips to Mount Buller. As she prepares for the upcoming competitions, she is reminded of the mental challenges athletes face in pursuit of excellence, particularly regarding recovery and performance expectations.
Coady imparts valuable lessons from her journey, stressing the significance of perseverance even during difficult times. She emphasises the need for unwavering commitment to improvement, urging fellow athletes to stay dedicated to their recovery process. Coady understands the mental toll of the sport but remains optimistic as she looks towards the future, embodying a spirit that resonates with many in the sporting community.