Tyson Taylor
sports@pqbnews.com
When there’s no snow, it can sometimes pose a problem, especially if you are a ski racer. However, the lack of Island snow did not deter the Mount Washington Ski Club’s U12, U14 and U16 teams from searching far and wide to take part and truly dominate in their first season race and skills event in Whistler.
After two days of intense training in Whistler this past week, the athletes were as ready as they would ever be to take on the competitive Coastal Mountain teams of Whistler, Seymour, Grouse, Cypress and Hemlock over the weekend.
In the slalom event on day two Campbell River natives U16 Kole Harle and U16 Maja Nymann stole the show both winning gold, beating out the tough competition of Whistler Blackcomb and other coastal ski clubs.
In the U14 men’s slalom, Kieran Nilsen of Comox moved himself up 34 places for a 16th place finish and a most improved U14 skier overall award.
Additionally for the U14 men’s slalom event, Chris Raduy of Qualicum Beach placed 22nd and 26th and was the only U14 racer to complete in all three races. For the ladies slalom on day two it was Sylvi Nymann of Campbell River of the U14 girls who had an outstanding finish taking 9th place in both her races — another two top tens and very consistent.
With the snow now flying on Mount Washington, these athletes are anxious to get back into training mode in preparation for their next big event.