Many Know Alina McMaster - Fewer Knew This
Some know Alina McMaster as the person leading Eventplus across Australia and for her worldly advice... Others know her as a highly respected adventure racer, a mum of two who raced the world’s toughest expedition events. Most recognise her as a co-founder of Ultra-Trail Australia, helping grow it from a small Blue Mountains race into one of the biggest trail runs on the planet.
But until last week, few knew just how deep her skiing prowess runs.
In the Italian Dolomites, McMaster delivered a standout performance at the World Masters Cross Country Skiing Championships, claiming gold in the women’s 10km freestyle and backing it up with silver in the 30km. Racing in fast, cold conditions in Sappada–Forni Avoltri, she edged a world-class field to deliver Australia’s first Masters World Cup gold since 2006.
For McMaster, the result marked more than medals, it was the discovery of a new competitive chapter.
“After all these years I’ve only just discovered the World Masters,” she said. “I’m hooked and will definitely be back.”
That performance wasn’t a surprise to those who know her journey. A lifetime in endurance sport, from adventure racing podiums at events like Eco-Challenge and Primal Quest, to building world-class events, to coaching and instructing in snowsports, has quietly built a foundation that now stretches across yet another discipline.
Back home, McMaster balances leadership in the events industry with family life, coaching the Australian Para cross-country ski team, and continuing to champion women in endurance sport. Her success in Italy is a reminder that high performance doesn’t have a single lane and it certainly doesn’t have an expiry date.
Sometimes, even the people you think you know best still have another gear to reveal.
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