Skiing legend Frank Prihoda turned 100 years old on Thursday with friends and family celebrating the life of Australia's oldest Olympian at his home in Thredbo.
On the eve of his centenary, the 1956 Winter Olympian said "adventures" were the key to an enriched life.
"Don't be afraid to take risky situations, go through them and try and do it for yourself," Mr Prihoda said.
"If you sit on your back and don't do these things you will short change yourself and miss out on life experiences."
Having moved from Czechoslovakia in 1950, Mr Prihoda took to the slopes during his second winter in Australia, carving up Mount Buller with the Melbourne University Ski Club.
Becoming an Australian citizens months prior to the Olympics, Mr Prihoda went on to represent his new country in Italy in both Slalom and Giant Slalom events.
Australia's third winter Olympics, Mr Prihoda was one of an eight men and two women team sent to Cortina d'Ampezzo to compete.
"I remember standing on the Olympic run and the full experience was overwhelming because none of us were used to the atmosphere of big races," he said.
With a sense of adventure not just reserved for the slopes either, Mr Prihoda took the opportunity from the Olympic journey to see the world in the mid 50s.
"I said 'I am going away, I am going to make it a proper trip'. I flew around the world," he said.
Mr Prihoda moved to Thredbo in 1974.
He and his sister Sasha Nekvapil and brother-in-law Karel Nekvapil went on to open the second lodge ever built in the village, Sasha's Lodge, now known as the Black Bear Inn.
Mr Prihoda later opened Frank's Shop in the small alpine village, selling gifts to tourists until he turned 80 in 2001.
"27 years is a good innings," he said.
In 2000, Mr Prihoda's contribution to sport was recognised when he was asked to carry the Olympic Torch in Thredbo, lighting the cauldron on the Village Green.
In 2020, a ski run was named after him at Thredbo, Frank's Face, sitting alongside runs named after his sister and brother-in-law.
"Having the Frank's Face trail located between Karels T-Bar and Sashas Schuss gives me great pleasure and feels like family," Mr Prihoda said.
CEO of the Australian Olympic Committee Matt Carroll said Mr Prihoda was a true pioneer of winter sport.
"He's paved the way for many winter Olympians and the truly amazing winter team we have today," Mr Carroll said.
"His decision to represent Australia in the 1956 Winter Olympic Games and solidifying his connection with our nation, was a great milestone for the Australian Olympic movement and a tremendous step for the sport in Australia."
Mr Prihoda will be celebrated in the place which "becomes part of you" on Thursday.
