Excitement was in the air for the Mount Washington Ski Club athletes as they boarded the bus at 4:20 a.m. in Courtenay to head to the BC Winter Games in Mission, Feb. 20-23.
The girls' team consisted of Ana Langevin (Comox), Sylvii Nymann (Campbell River) and Melissa Pemble of Victoria. The boys' team was made up of Jared Perras (Campbell River), Kieran Harley and Zaria Djurickovic (both of Victoria), Kieran Nilsen (Comox) and Chris Raduy (Qualicum Beach).
Prior to this event, the athletes were in a “pray for snow” situation – but alas, be careful what you wish for as the snow came down throughout the weekend, hampering efforts to put on races. The competition was meant to include Slalom, Giant Slalom and Skier Cross events. But this was not to be the case.
On day one ski organizers were able to pull off both Slalom races with Nymann placing 15th and Pemble placing 43rd while Langevin blasted out of the course and did not get her second run. For the Mount Washington boys it was back-to-back 10th and 11th places for Djurickovic and Perras with Harley placing 25th and Raduy placing 27th while Nilsen crashed and did not get his second run.
On day two the Mount Washington girls and boys were primed and ready to roll for the Giant Slalom race. Langevin pulled off a personal best in the first run with a 15th place finish, Nymann placed 28th and Pemble placing 46th. However, medal hopes were dashed when the ski organizers decided to cancel the second run and the rest of the race after it was decided the course was treacherous.
The boys team was highly disappointed after coming such a long way, training for so long and then facing cancellation. But – they were hopeful for the next day’s event – Skier Cross, but day three did not fare much better for the boys hopes for the skier cross event. Harsh weather conditions hampered the event and it was cancelled after the girls were able to make a run at the course. The Mount Washington Ski Club Team of Langevin/Nymann placed 17th overall.
"The overall experience of the BC Winter Games is not to be underestimated as these athletes compete at this very high level in sport," said MWSC media and marketing coordinator Maureen Clarke. "Congratulations to all the Mount Washington Ski Club athletes for representing your team with positive attitudes, respect and perseverance – this was demonstrated all weekend long, especially under trying conditions."
– Mount Washington Ski Club