Central Coast mogul skier Matt Graham chasing his Winter Olympic dream

MEET Matt Graham. The mogul skier from Narara is one of Australia’s real hopes of medal success at next February’s Winter Olympics.

Winter Olympian Matt Graham at his home in Narara. (AAP Image/Sue Graham)

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MEET Matt Graham.

The mogul skier from Narara is one of Australia’s real hopes of medal success at next February’s Winter Olympic Games.

Graham is currently sitting in third spot on the world rankings ahead of the opening World Cup event of the season next month.

The 23-year-old has a jam-packed schedule set for the next three months as he finalises preparations for PyeongChang.

He swapped the Central Coast for Finland this week and also has trips to China, Canada and US all booked in on his calendar before heading to South Korea.

Australia moguls skier Matt Graham. Image credit: The Mogul Skiing Academy (AUSMSA)

“It’s basically all guns blazing now as training has really ramped up,” Graham told the Express Advocate.

“I’ve spent a lot of time away from home. We have seven World Cups between December and the end of January.

“I’ve already qualified but it will be good to see where everyone is at. I’ll just be pacing myself and aiming to connect all the dots in my run so come to the Olympics it will all be second nature.”

Graham made his Olympic debut in Sochi in 2014, and said he feels better prepared for this campaign.

Matt Graham competes in the men's dual moguls during 2017 FIS Freestyle Ski World Cup in Japan (Photo by Atsushi Tomura/Getty Images)

“It was pretty surreal. I was only 19 and I didn’t really know what to expect. Going to the Olympics was a whole new experience,” he said.

“The butterflies and the week leading up to it it’s kind of like nothing I have ever experienced before.

“Losing hours of sleep just thinking about it was pretty hard to deal with, but once you’re there and competing the adrenaline and competition lifts you up a notch. It was a lot of fun.

“In the last four years I feel that I’ve just matured a lot as an athlete. I definitely have a lot more experience under my belt and see myself as one of the best guys out there now.”

Central Coast moguls star Matt Graham is searching for a medal next February. (AAP Image/Sue Graham)

Graham said he would be upset should he return home without a medal next February.

“There’s a bit of expectation going into these Olympics. I’ve put high expectations on myself and I’m gunning for a medal,” he said.

“I’d be disappointed if I didn’t come back with one. I’ve had four years to think about it and prepare and I’m hoping when I get to the Olympics and feel comfortable and I’m just able to go there and have fun.”