12/22/09 @ 05:15:32 pm, Categories: 2009/2010 season, 377 words  

Happy Holidays everyone!

I hope this letter finds everyone in good health and good spirits. There’s been a lot transpire in the ski world over the past month. Some very good news, but a lot bad. The safety of our sport has really come into question with 20 season ending injuries in the first 20 world cup races. There’s a lot of discussion amongst athletes and the FIS as to why so many injuries. From my perspective, the FIS ski dimension rule changes have done the opposite of what was intended. The wider skis are more dangerous to ski on, period. It’s been disheartening to watch the Canadian team dwindle with the loss of five of our top skiers in the first month of racing. Just as in any sport, when injury strikes, opportunities are created for other team members to step up to the plate and grasp at the chance to prove themselves.

In the second World Cup slalom of the season, Monday in Alta Badia, I rebounded from a rather disappointing first race in Levi and finished a respectable 21st. On a rather unusual course set by the Croatians (pictures of the combos on my website) I had my strongest first run finish in years, coming through in 14th from start position 51. Unfortunately I struggled on the second run set by my own coach and moved back to 21st. It was a great day for Canada with four racers in the 30, with Mike Janyk being the fastest in 5th position. With the majority of the races coming up in January, I’m feeling confident that things are moving in the right direction. The consistency I’ve lacked in the past is now a thing of the past. With the consistency in place, I feel I’m growing more confident and faster with every run.

With the Olympic slalom only two months away, I’m still searching for two top 12 finishes in the World Cup to qualify. I have confidence in my plan. I believe it will happen.

Right now, I’m on my way back home to Ottawa for a short break before returning to Europe for the bulk of the season. The next race is on the 6th of January in Zagreb, Croatia.

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