Arghh...Sport Can be so Frustrating

A sign advertising the race in Tacen.

Today David competed in the World Championships in Tacen, Slovenia. The two runs today were to qualify for the semi-finals on Sunday.

Even with some of the fastest splits, David was unable to qualify due to mistakes that were simply insurmountable...even with how well he is currently paddling. It's so hard to be on the sidelines, knowing how hard he works, yet watching small errors become huge errors as the river (and sport) have no mercy.

There are no do overs in this arena.

The similarities between ski racing and whitewater continue to baffle me. Unlike most sports, you get one shot. There are a million variables, meaning you have to make a million split decision during the 90seconds it takes you to complete a run. You can win every split, but one mistake can be your downfall. Today Michael Kurt, who had podiums in 50% of the World Cups this year and finished 2nd in the Overall World Cup also missed qualifying for the semis. As did John Hastings from Canada, 8th in the overall World Cup. I mention these athletes simply as a demonstration to how similar it is to ski racing. On any given day, you can be on top of the podium or you can be out of the game entirely.

Yet, there are some athletes who have figured out a level of consistency that is truly remarkable. It's amazing to watch such performances.

Sport can inspire yet it can also bring you to your knees. I suppose that's why we love it so.

An exciting and loud crowd to cheer on the competitors.
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Many, many, many countries are attending these Worlds.
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Huw from GB is staring down the upstream gate during inspection.
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Dr.90210

Here in Slovenia they have a surprising amount of English TV. Which is great, but also funny. Many of the shows are reality based and almost all of them are a few years old.

The show that I've seen the most of while here (it's on almost all the time!) is Dr. 90210. I hadn't watched this show before and only knew the main Doctor in it from clips on TMZ.

Anyhow, this show has just made me feel a bit ill in regards to elective surgery. So far, I've needed shoulder and knee surgery in my career and I'm not a fan of the operating room. It's the LAST place I want to end up in. Yet, in this show, people are choosing to go under the knife again and again. It can be hard for me to watch, especially, when so many of these women are so beautiful already.

Anyhow, just some ramblings from here in Europe....

Link...

http://www.123result.com/LiveVideo.aspx?EventId=000154&User=slovenia&Season=CS_2010

Past this link to see/watch the World Champs for David and crew!

You Never Know What You're Going to See...

The Opening Ceremonies for the Canoe/Kayak World Championships in Ljubljana were very entertaining! You never knew what you were going to see! Above is the Mascot for the event...pretty funny!

Self Portrait in a mirror coming home from the opening ceremonies.

Evening Walk

David and I went for a nice walk yesterday evening, this is a very pretty area.

David, Pizza & Ljubljana

This pizza was Huge...David (and I) Love our Pizza!
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That's me, on a beautiful Sunday in Ljubljana.
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David and his coach Michal.
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More images of David in Tacen.

More from Tacen

This image is from earlier today. Everyone seems to have arrived!

Tacen - Slovenija

Tacen is, in my opinion, the most beautiful site the the whitewater World Cup visits. Everyone is now arriving as final preparations for the World Championships being.

Michael and John - Canadian Team Coaches
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This is where the medals will be presented.

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Tacen is like a Roman Amphitheater for Whitewater.
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GoodBye Opa

Opa passed away earlier this morning. He will be missed by his whole family, especially by his wife Rita.

Opa & Family

Well, this was a short visit to Ontario with last minute changes to flight itineraries to make it happen. I wanted to see my Opa as things have taken a turn for the worse. He was lucid for about 30min during my visit, in which it was great to connect with him. He has been constantly surrounded by family and the highlight was a trip to the cottage last week. He has made his wishes known and the whole family is supporting him in this final journey. We love you Opa and you will be missed.

This image, above, is from one month ago when David, Dad and I visited Opa.

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My parents celebrated their 30th wedding Anniversary today. Us kids, Laura, Mark, Jeff, and I got them two dozen roses to congratulate them. No flowers or card will ever be enough to thank them for everything they've done for us!

A Few Images...

The last few days have been filled with sorting through my office; working out; and taking care of my knee. All in all, I've kept super busy! I did get time to take a few pictures though....

I finally got around to the fan mail that has been piling up over the last year. So, for everyone who's written me, a response is now in the mail!
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My little neighbours! What Cuties!!!

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July & August 2010 in PIctures

Yesterday I was in Vancouver recording/shooting a promotional piece for Teck. It was at Hyphen Communications and these guys were huge photography buffs...so I had a great time and learned whatever I could while there!

Here, I'm recording the script for the video...new experience for me but I enjoyed it. No one likes the sound of their own voice though...so I hope it's ok!

Calgary Gymp Camp...starring Anna, Larisa and Kelly!

Gymp camp is Rocking it Rocky Style!

Larisa & Anna

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Canadian Snowbirds Giving us a show awaiting our Flight out of Abbotsford

Can you see the moon?.... No photoshop required. Isn't that amazing!


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David and I officially Opened the Chilliwack Fair this year!

And People tell me I'm crazy!

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Then, A Trip to Ontario with Wedding Parties & David's National Championships
....which he won:)

National Champs were held on the Gull River. A beautiful site!

Not much can beat being in a boat on a calm evening. (except perhaps waterskiing on a calm evening!..but...that will have to wait till next year for me...)

I LOOOOVVVVEEE Ontario Cottage Life. We stayed at Ed's Shack...which wasn't at all like a shack! It was wonderful for my Ontario Soul.

What an awesome family! My brother Jeff (far left) is now in the Military!!!!!! Go Jeff Go!!! I'm so proud of you!!!!!! (as you may be able to tell by all these exclamation points)

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My Parents hosted our Ontario wedding celebration...loads of fun!





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David and I are now proud Uncle and Aunt to Quynn Watson Ford!
Congratulations Aryn!!!!!!

I love this shot...such cute feet!