Ryan competed for Ireland last February at the Winter European Youth Olympic Festival in Sarajevo and East Sarajevo, qualifying for the second run in the slalom and finishing 25th out of 104 starters.

Austin will be making her multi-sport debut at Lausanne 2020, having competed internationally in both Alpine skiing and lacrosse. 

"We have a small but strong team coming to Lausanne in January, and I’m really excited about what both Matt and Emma can do out there," said Olympic Federation of Ireland (OFI) Chef de Mission for the Winter Youth Olympic Games, Nancy Chillingworth.

"Matt raced last year in the EYOF in Sarajevo and brings with him a lot of experience and determination in his final year in the junior ranks. 

"Emma also brings an interesting range of experience, with both international experience in skiing and in lacrosse. 

"I’m looking forward to working with them both."

The Games are scheduled for January 9 to 22.

Alpine skiing is set to take place from January 10 to 14 at Les Diablerets Alpine Skiing Centre, two hours from Lausanne. 

Both athletes are due to compete in the slalom and giant slalom, while Ryan will also compete in the Super-G.

"On behalf of the OFI I would like to wish both Matt and Emma the best of luck in their competitions at the Winter Youth Olympics," Peter Sherrard, the OFI chief executive, said. 

"These Games are an incredibly important steppingstone in the sports careers of young athletes, and I urge them both to soak up the experience and to enjoy them. 

"The Youth Olympics are a unique Games where new concepts are trialled by the IOC (International Olympic Committee), and it is exciting for young athletes to be part of that."