Special Olympics Ski Racing, BC Provincial Games, February 2007, continued

So now it's race time. The Special Olympics Provincial Winter Games are also a qualifier for the National Games. There's a rather complicated system to determine who qualifies, but basically it's done by age group, with skiers racing against others of similar ability. But just like any other sports competition, it's best to just go out there and do the best you can and see what happens.


But Cory definitely had his sights set on a trip to the National Games in 2008 in Quebec City. Now, in his previous race, I mentioned that he was placed in the Novice group, much to his dismay. This time we were told that each racer would ski a "trial" Giant Slalom run, and the times would then be used to determine what level each racer would enter: Novice, Intermediate, or Advanced. Cory really wanted to race with the "big boys" in advanced, but we also knew that his chances of winning and therefore qualifying for the Nationals were slim in advanced.




So we talked it over, and we decided that Cory would "take it easy" in his first run, and perhaps end up in Intermediate instead of Advanced. Looking back, I realize that was not the right thing to do, not the right thing to teach Cory, and certainly not a fair way to compete. And, as it turned out, it was a lesson well-learned.

In the starting gate...









Based on his times, Cory was placed in the Advanced level, and his time was third best, out of 12 Advanced Skiers. We were very impressed that Cory could not only ski with the "big boys", but could even beat most of them - and he was the youngest of the group, with more than half of the advanced group over 30, heavier, faster skiers.




We knew there would be a second run, but we didn't know that the 2 runs would be added together. Cory actually WON the second run, he beat everyone, but when the times of the 2 runs were added up, he finished 3rd - a Bronze Medal finish!


on his way...







We were elated and he was obviously proud and pleased. But we learned a lesson, and we've talked about it since. From now on, every time Cory races, he will race to win. If he had given it all in the first run, he might have finished first. We'll never really know, but he will never ease up again. Lesson learned the hard way.

On the Podium!






So, then onto the Super G race - this time only one run down the course. Got this one on video, with my commentary...and the announcer got the wrong name, but it's another Bronze Medal!






Back on the podium...


So a very good day...first time racing in Advanced, 2 Bronze Medals. Next day, the slalom...