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Podium of Life athletes end season on strong note

Maja Nymann posts top-10 finish at Whistler Cup competition
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SLYVI NYMANN POSTED good results against strong competition at the Whistler Cup.

Podium of Life Snow Sports Academy concluded its program last week on Mount Washington. The timing coincided with a number of events at the end of the season.

Podium of Life skiers applied some of their learning from school during competition. Whether it be having the courage to compete, or humbly accepting a medal, POL students were great ambassadors for the program, a spokesperson said.

Freestyle skiers from all over B.C., ages six to 17, competed at the last of the B.C. series Timber Tour Freestyle Skiing Championships last weekend at Mount Washington. The event was concluded with a year-end banquet where B.C. series results were awarded.

Teal Harle (Mount Washington and Campell River) continued his domination of the provincial series and won gold in slopestyle, moguls, and dual moguls. He also won gold for moguls and slopestyle for the entire B.C. series. He is now off to Whistler to compete at a big international slopestyle competition.

James Dunn (Mount Washington and Duncan) learned the power of success in developing personal confidence. He proudly accepted medals around his neck when he won gold in slopestyle and big air, and silver in moguls.

Erin Sketchley was not able to compete due to injury but she did receive the prestigious Spirit Award for all B.C. freestyle.

Dillan Glennie (Courtenay) demonstrated courage as she took the risk of competing in her first freestyle event. She was rewarded with acquiring new friends with a shared passion for skiing. She also stood on the podium as she won a bronze in slopestyle and a fourth in moguls.

Michelle MacPherson (Nanaimo) showed the learnings of self-empowerment and juggled her dance competitions to compete in moguls and slopestyle. Friendships were formed and obstacles were conquered as she finished both contests for the first time. She even completed her first 180 off a jump in competition.

Logan Frame (Campbell River), competing for Podium of Life, who recently switched from racing, surprised many with a very advanced run in the slopestyle course. He placed fifth ahead of many seasoned slopestyle competitors.

On the ski racing side of things, Podium of Life students practised some self-regulatory techniques as they pitted themselves against some of the best in the world in their age classes at the Whistler Cup.

Here are some facts about Whistler Cup: over 400 athletes, from 27 different countries, with 150-plus coaches, over 300 volunteers, three days of racing, this is the 22nd annual, only event of its kind in North America, launching pad of many Olympians world wide.

Students had to deal with both disappointment and excitement, dictated by their results. That is why competition is one of the best character developers.

Maja Nymann (U16 Campbell River) was named to Team BC due to top results throughout the season. Her performance continued to improve throughout the event. She earn 47th position in super G and 26th in giant slalom. Then she skied to a ninth place result, the first Whistler Cup top-10 finish for Mount Washington. Her second run was fourth fastest overall.

Sylvi Nymann (U14 Campbell River) learned to mentally prepare for racing and her results were very good. Against a very strong field she raced to the following results: dual slalom 23rd, giant slalom 18th, and slalom 64th,

Kole Harle (U16 Mount Washington and Campbell River) was also named to Team BC. His finished 31st in SG, 37th in GS, and did not finish his slalom run at Whistler Cup.

Liam Gilchrist (U16 Nanaimo) had to apply some mental toughness techniques as he came down with the flu after his 69th placing in GS. He was forced to return to the Island to recover.

Kieran Harley (U14 Victoria) had some great results in this international field. He finished 34th in dual slalom and 38th in GS. Unfortunately, he did not finish his slalom run.

"One of our students, 11-year-old Sofia Tchernetski (Mount Washington and Whistler) chose to miss a skiing competition and travelled to Toronto for a talent competition, acting and singing. She won the overall talent award for 2014. She also won the gold medal and $500 cash scholarship for her age class," the POL spokesperson said.

 

– Podium of Life Snow Sports Academy