How Ski Racing got me to Vegas...

Although the saying goes, "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas" I've decided to share with you my weekend experience! CBRE, a commercial real estate company that has been a supporter of mine for 5 years, hosted a recognition weekend in Vegas for their top performers. This is a yearly event that changes locations and an event that Blake Hutcheson, CBRE's President, has invited me to for a few years now. However, this was the first year my schedule enabled me to attend. In many respects, it was a fitting year for a 'coming out' of my relationship with CBRE after the success I've had racing and the story that got me here. I was sponsored quietly up until this weekend. I was lucky enough to meet many amazing people who are motivated, friendly, and overall just great people who have added to CBRE's success. It really was a pleasure for me. Plus, staying at the Four Season's didn't hurt either! It was an oasis in Vegas. The weekend included a few highlights; spa massage, amazing buffet breakfasts, cabana time by the pool, 'O' by cirque du soleil, shopping, enjoying Vegas' 'it' nightclub Pure, and taking in the larger than life Strip.

Saturday night I gave a speech during the recognition dinner. I was happy with how it went and I received great feedback. I'm always amazed how my story seems to reach people, and the kinship I feel for them as well. I always enjoy doing talks, weather with school kids, Universities, or organizations, I always walk away feeling like I've gained something. I felt welcomed by all of CBRE's employees and I look forward to getting to know many of them better. While in Vegas I couldn't find the right words to describe this fantasy land of sin. That is, until Blake Hutcheson found the words I had been looking for, "Vegas is the world's largest cubic zirconium." I couldn't have put it better.

Since my last blog I had a training camp in Whistler where I tested new equipment and new eyes! The laser eye surgery went amazingly and I've had a perfect result. I don't know if it's related, but I was jumping better than I ever have before during our Speed training! Perhaps this depth perception is a good thing after all! :) In Whistler we tested new equipment for Downhill and Super G - things look good for next year! I'm excited already.

Currently, I am with my boyfriend David Ford in Charlotte, North Carolina enjoying the role as a support crew around the river. It's been a nice change of pace far away from the snowy hills (although I am still waiting for real summer weather to show up!). We've met several locals who have opened up their homes to us within minutes of meeting. Likely, David and I won't be staying in hotels the next time we visit Charlotte. The hospitality this city's people have shown us has been incredible. Otherwise, my health is pretty good other than the usual aches and pains I've become accustomed to as an athlete. Still a bit worn out after this season I'm enjoying having my shorts on and I look forward to hitting the golf course as soon as my aches and pains allow!

With Smiles and Warm Wishes,

Kelly

Laser Eye Surgery a Success!

Here I am, sporting the new high fashion, post-op, laser eye surgery sun glasses! No matter how dorky I looked on that day, it was definitely worth it. I can now see better than 20/20 and feel great! This whole process has been a long time coming as I waited for my vision to level off before I could consider laser surgery. Under Dr. Donna Mockler's guidance, an optometrist and a sport vision specialist, I was sent to Dr. Lin at Pacific Laser Eye Centre. There I received the best treatment possible when it comes to laser eye surgery. The results are perfection. I couldn't be happier.

I will be back on snow next week to test the new vision, new skis, and new boots. Next season is quickly approaching!....yes, I know, this one just finished:)

With Big Smiles and Clear Vision,

Kelly

End of Season Wrap Up

Spring is on it's way!!!!! As much as I love winter and skiing, I am really looking forward to getting some colour on this pale body of mine!

Well, another racing season has come to an end! Every year it never ceases to amaze me how quickly time flies by or how quickly you get wrapped up in the preparations for next year. Already, ski testing, training camps, and travel plans are set in place to get us set for next years races. It's a whirlwind of a lifestyle that can, at times be exhausting, but also unbelievably rewarding. This season I finished with a world ranking of 8th in Downhill and 8th in Super G. By FAR my best season finishing with just under 400 world cup points (a plateau I hope to surpass next year). Although I didn't end my season as strongly as it began, I am thankful to be healthy, and looking forward to an off-season to recharge the batteries. I have to admit, my batteries are very low after this season and I look forward to this time at home.

An exciting new part of my life right now is preparing for eye surgery! This Monday I go under the 'laser' and hope to come out with perfect vision! This will mean no more contact lenses drying out and folding in the middle of a speed race (yes, this has happened 3 times in World Cup competitions), better depth perception, and no more hassle with glasses ever again...if all goes well:) This is the reason I will not be competing in the National Championship this year. I needed a two week window in order to do the surgery with no contacts.

Now, I'm enjoying time at home with a few visits up to Whistler for media events and meetings with the girls as we try and help set up the best possible program to ensure many, many more podiums in our future.

Other exciting news includes me receiving a GM vehicle for a year because of my top ten world ranking on the World Cup! I have chosen a white Envoy and I look forward to ripping around in it.

As always, success isn't possible without the support of so many people around me. And of course, it also takes those special few who know when to kick me in the butt when I need it!

With Smiles and Best Wishes to Everyone,

Kelly

Look like anyone you might know?....

Carbon Neutral!

It's official, I'm carbon neutral! Thomas Grandhi and Sara Renner have been strong advocates trying to get the Canadian Alpine and Cross Country athletes to become Carbon Neutral. With the obvious affects of global warming I'm excited to be getting an education in how to do my part to offset my carbon emissions. I hope my children's children will get to experience the joys of skiing, and now is the time to make the necessary changes to ensure we'll be ski racing for generations to come!

5th in DH - Best Donwhill Result of Career

I know it has been a while since my last blog, my apologies for those avid readers! :) Currently I find myself in Burgeis, Italy for a few days of training as we head into the World Cup Finals next week. Looking back on this season, in some ways it's hard to believe it's almost over, yet I am getting a bit run down from the travel, so it's nice to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Lenzerheide was a blast from the past. The last time I was there was for the World Juniors 6 years ago! I had my first World Junior Championship podium there and so I was excited to return. This time we got to see the sun from time to time and what a view - the mountains were beautiful. It was also a great weekend for the Canadian women! 5 top tens in two days, including a podium by Emily Brydon! I was one of the top tens with a 5th place finish, but unfortunately I had one heck of a mixed up run in Super G putting far back in the feild.

The picture above is of the little village built on the top of Tarvisio! It's a very beautiful place.

I promise to write more next time!

Big Smiles,

Kelly

Taking the Lessons

Well, my World Championships in Are have come to an end and I unfortunately have no results to show for it. Disappointingly, I didn't complete either the Super G or the Downhill events. For the Super G I was nervous but also excited because I knew I could really do something. When I was in the start area I new Britt Janyk was in the lead and I wanted to be there with her. Unfortunately, I cut the line too much heading into a blind gate and consequently missed it.

In preparation for the Downhill event I had my work cut out for me. I wasn't feeling confident and started to feel the pressure of wanting to perform. Are holds a lot of emotion for me, for many different reasons. It was coming to the surface and affecting my ability to perform. So, I decided to take control of my situation and do everything I could to give myself the best possible opportunity to race to my potential on Sunday. I did some work with my sport psych Roger Friesen over the phone, I studied the video, trained GS, and before I knew it, I had found the athlete inside me again. I was back to that skier that I could count on to perform and race with everything I had. The days leading up to the Downhill I was skiing very well and my confidence had returned. On race day I felt ready to go. Then, in the course, I felt ,quite literally, like bambi on ice until I finally went out of the course, again, missing a blind gate.

I'm now stepping back from this experience and trying to find the lessons I can take from this experience so I'll be better prepared next time. There are always lessons to be learned and I'm determined to learn them. I want to win, and I will do all I can to reach that goal.

Even though the end results weren't there, it was a great experience to compete in the World Championships. The crowds were amazing, the spirit was strong, and the excitement was in the air. My coaches were working like I've never seen them work before (including injecting a training hill all through the night in -30 degree weather!) and my technician Pavel was great and extremely supportive. We have a great team, and we'll catch back up to the guys' medal count!

Watching Jan Hudec receive his silver medal was such a highlight - nothing beats seeing our flag raised. I watched the awards with Thomas Grandi, Mike Janyk, and Meg Ryley. I could feel their desire to be there when their time comes. I look forward to seeing what they can do.

After Jan's medal the boys came through with their bet to shave Mohawks! I have attached a few pictures for your viewing! It's a pretty exciting team environment to be a part of. I have also attached a few pictures of the amazing views from top of the mountain- everything is completely covered in snow and ice. It's amazing how it all still works.

Although sad about my own performance I am drawing lessons from Are and look forward to the rest of my career! So much lies ahead and I look forward to soaking it all in.

I now have a short break before my next world cup races in Tarvisio, Italy (where I won my first World Junior medal) so I'm excited to revisit this race site.

Thank you to everyone who has been supporting me through the ups and the downs - you're who keep me going.

Smiles,

Kelly

Beautiful, Cold Are

Here are a few pictures I took yesterday morning before the Downhill training run that I wanted to share with you. Are is a beautiful place, although extremely cold with temperatures reaching -30 the last few days! And yes, those buildings are COMPLETELY covered in ice/snow!

Unfortunately my Super G race didn't find me cheering in the finish area, rather freeskiing down most of the hill after missing a gate early on. Although fast before I went out, it shows how fine the line is when racing! Britt Janyk did Canada proud though with a 4th place finish, missing the podium by a mere 6 hundredths of a second! It appears as though she is now carrying that 4th place curse! However, the podiums will come...we all know they will!

I'm now in the middle of the Downhill training runs. I look forward to racing Sunday!

The Calm Before the Crowd

The stands are set up, the netting's nearly finished, the signs are being raised, the athletes are arriving, and the cameras are in focus. You might think something big is about to happen here in Are!.....

Strong Weekend, Worlds to Follow

Are, Sweden awaits us! The pinnacle of the season, the World Championships! I have to admit, I'm pretty excited to get up there and start the final stages of preparations for race day.

But first, today is a day of rest as we wrapped up three races in San Sicario, Italy where I had three solid races finishing 5th, 10th, and 13th. It was a great set of races that really got me excited to be racing again and looking forward to Are with confidence. Most notably from this last weekend was getting to see Britt Janyk find her stride. She was a thrill to race with as she finished two times 4th (I know how it feels!:) and we are looking towards Are with new found excitement. Currently we are close to Salzburg enjoying a day off. I'm sure today will be filled with...well...nothing!

I have attached two pictures. One of the pictures is of, what I'm now calling the North American Powerhouses; Britt Janyk, Lindsay Kildow, Julia Mancuso, and myself!

As always, I look forward to what lays ahead. The ups and downs of sport are always challenging but that's why I do it. If it was easy, I would be bored.

I'll leave you with a quote from Michael Jordan,

"I have failed over and over and over in my life, and that is why I succeed."

Big Smiles and Fast Skis,

Kelly

24th Year Begins!

As the races in Cortina end my 24th year begins! It was my birthday yesterday and I was lucky enough to spend it in beautiful Cortina, then my evening in beautiful Bolzano. Shona Rubens and I passed the evening together eating pizza and drinking some amazing Italian wine. A few of the girls gave me some really sweet gifts and I received flowers from my tech, Pavel and coaches. It was as special a day as possible on the road. I feel so lucky to be doing what I do and collecting such amazing memories.

Today I'm enjoying a relaxing day in Bolzano, at a beautiful hotel, preparing for the next week of racing on the old Torino Olympic track. My last few races in Cortina weren't up to my expectations or my abilities. However, I know its inside me and I'm drawing on the lessons I learned in Cortina to get me back fighting for those hundredths!

Things Come in Threes...

We all know what they say, things come in threes. We'll, I hope my three crashes are put behind me for the year!

I arrived in Europe on the 4th of January with training right away in Burgeis/Mals, Italy. On the third day, after some great skiing in GS, I had the most spectacular crash I've had to date. Fortunately I didn't suffer any severe injuries although I strained my knee and hurt the Tib/Fib joint pretty badly with a bruised fibula. Lets just say it was pretty sore. I took that day, and the next two off as I had to prepare for a DH training run (and later race) in Altenmarkt, Austria. The first training run got canceled, which made me rather happy since I felt I needed at least another day to rest up. The next training run I skied the top pretty well, only to crash very early on in the course. This put me in the fencing with the wind knocked out of me for a few minutes until someone helped me out. I skied away from this crash with a slight black eye, a very bruised thigh, and no help in getting that knee feeling better.

Since I knew I'd lost my only shot at a training run I slowly side slipped the course so I could watch someone ski most sections. Hey, it's better than nothing! I finally got to the bottom of the course and exited where the side slippers do (just before the finish line). There was a lot of public around (yes, Austria pulls big crowds even for training runs!). Between the public and the rocks I decided to boot ski the last bit to the lodge. I picked up good speed on the hard snow from our track's preparation, however, I saw a wall of soft snow approaching me. I figured I'd make it. I didn't. I launched doing a face plant and loosing both my skis as they flew out of my hands. Now completely broken and extremely embarrassed, I collected my equipment and made my way (limping) to the cars.

So there you have it. A trifecta of falls within a few days, and I had to race a World Cup DH the next day with no training run. Luckily (or unlucky - you never know) the race was canceled after a day of trying to get it off. Saturday was supposed to be the Super Combined which I would not race, then a Super G on Sunday. At 6pm that night I found out they had decided to race Downhill the next day and move the Super Combined to Sunday and the Super G was canceled.

In the end, we raced DH today (Saturday, January 13), the start was lowered (taking out every bit of the course I had actually run), and I finished 14th. I was happy with this considering all of the above. Still, I know how much I left out there and I look forward to Cortina!

The picture above is from the right side of the starting gate in Altenmarkt.

Sometimes you just have to laugh! :)

Kelly

And So It Begins....

Happy New Year to Everyone! I hope 2007 will be a year full of immense happiness, growth and peace in your lives.

I've just hit the road again and currently find myself in Frankfurt airport trying to pass the time during this 5 hour lay-over. Ah, the joys of travel! Once finished this voyage, I'll be in Italy for a few days of training then I'll be in Altenmarkt, Austria for my first set of races in the new year. I'm looking forward to all that awaits me in sport and in life during '07.

This picture is one that Rob Boyd took December 17th! It says it all about the ski conditions then; however, I hear the weather has been colder so snow making has filled in the gaps that mother nature's left green.

Over the Christmas holidays I enjoyed a few days of skiing in Whistler, a Christmas at home, and a quietly profound beginning to 2007. I look forward to all that lays before me and I am thankful for the opportunities I've been given. I hope to utilize all these gifts to the fullest.

With Smiles,

Kelly

Happy New Year!!!!

I just wanted to wish everyone a very Happy New Year!!!!!! I just spent the last two days up in Whistler training with my coach Rob Boyd and David was along as well. It was great to get on a hill with SO MUCH SNOW!!! It was also extremely fun for me to train with the kids from the Whistler club. Plus a bit of smack talking in the start got us all going that little bit faster:)

I wish you all a wonderful 2007 with many magical moments!

Merry Christmas to All!

Some have suggested that my recent success has made me too big for my britches....

Or this is just a really small toilet! :) It was so cute, I had to take a picture of this fully functioning kids bathroom at a gas station in France.

Ok, back to my blogging now. It's Christmas again! This is a time of year I absolutely love, cherish, and, look forward to. I just arrived home last night from a short whirlwind tour in Europe as races were being moved around regularly due to lack of snow. So far this season I've had a pretty impressive start! My first Podium in Lake Louise is the obvious highlight, however, I'm very proud of my consistent skiing. Currently I'm ranked 11th in the Overall World Cup (which is pretty good considering I've only been doing 2 out of the 4 possible disciplines on the circuit), 8th in overall Downhill and 7th in the overall Super G so far this year! I can't wait to continue racing and being in the mix. It's great fun to be up there in the front of the pack!

I'll be in Chilliwack with David this Christmas enjoying time at home, eating home cooked meals, and with no duffle bags in sight! I'm sure I'll be hitting the slopes at some point here in BC since there is so much snow!

This December I was reminded of how big peoples hearts and understanding can be. I have never felt so supported and loved. Thank you to everyone who has been there to catch me as I fell. I love you all.

Merry Christmas!

Kelly

A Quick Thank You!

I just wanted to thank everyone who has signed my guest book! I love reading the notes, it fills me with so much passion and excitement to keep on racing!

Unfortunately I don't have the time to reply to everyone, so this is my mass reply:

THANK YOU!!!!! :)

Making History at Lake Louise!

My First Podium on the World Cup!!!

I have to admit, everything feels like a blur as the reality of my first podium beings to sink in. There are so many reasons for this podium to stick in my mind and mean so much. Most importantly it was my first podium ever! Also, as I said during many interviews, the best possible first podium would have been at the Olympics (where I was 4th)but the next best thing was for it to happen in Canada. But probably the most lasting impression this podium has left is the history I am now a part of. I was the first Canadian female to stand on the podium at Lake Louise since it started running in 1989! That felt pretty cool.

I was lucky enough to share this weekend with my boyfriend David Ford, and Both my parents! My parents watched my first ever world cup race here in Lake Louise and now they were there to share in my first podium. It was extremely special.

Since the podium I've been doing interview after interview. It's been such a treat to see how the Canadian media has received the great results by myself and Michael Janyk (he was 2nd yesterday at the men's Slalom race in Beaver Creek).

Today I had a day off which has helped everything sink in. David and I went up on the hill to freeski and have some fun. It was such a treat to check out this great mountain! It was my first time skiing more than the two runs used for the races! It was great.

Otherwise, I'm doing well and looking forward to more racing! Next week we hope to be in Val D'Isere for another series of races....as long as the weather gets colder and the snow starts falling!

Thank you to everyone who has helped me achieve this dream!

I know it's only the beginning.

Smiles,

Kelly

Kicking off the New Season

Racing!!! We'll finally be Racing!!!!

I have to admit, I'm slightly excited to get the season underway after so much intense training. I was in Lake Louise for a few days with the men checking out the track and getting a feel for the hill as a forerunner. Now home in Chilliwack for a few days of rest, I'm gearing up to start racing next week. Lake Louise has been blessed with lots of snow this season so everyone may enjoy some great racing and skiing this weekend and next!

The last couple of weeks I've been training hard in Nakiska and Panorama. Doing some of my best skiing in both Super G and GS I'm looking forward to racing. Although I've had a few pulled muscles here and there, I'll be ready to go by race day!

I hope to see you there :)

Kelly

From Galas to Snow

Currently I am in Nakiska training again. After the hectic Gala and media tour that took me from Toronto, to Vancouver, and finally to Calgary I am happy to be back on snow. All the events were huge successes and I'm sure things will only get better next year!

Since the Gala tour has come to an end I'm happy to say that we're back on snow! I have to admit, I'm extremely happy to be back working again....at my real job:) We are now training in Nakiska, Alberta doing mostly GS until Panorama is ready to have us.

This picture is of Gail Kelly and Anna Goodman at the top of Nakiska - what a beautiful view!
We are all looking forward to the racing season (staring off with the Slalom tomorrow in Levi, where Brigitte Acton will be racing). Lake Louise will be my first World Cup this season and I know, as always, it will be such a joy to race in front of a home town crowd! (Or as close to a home town as I have on the World Cup circuit)

I'm now starting my journey through a new season that holds nothing but possibilities. I am excited and nervous as always. It never ceases to amaze me how a year can pass by so quickly. Although I know the alternative just wouldn't be appealing to me. Life is meant to be lived! Take care and I hope to see many of you in Lake Louise to cheer us on!!!!!!

With Big Smiles and Fast Skis,

Kelly

Galas and Packing

Recently in Toronto, I enjoyed a great day and evening full of events! Early in the day Alpine Canada held a press conference at the Toronto Stock Exchange. Following this event, I did an interview with Sportsnet. For lunch I met with great friends, Erica and her two little girls! In the evening Alpine Ontario hosted a Gala dinner to help raise money for all the upcoming ski stars. It was an amazing event that I'm sure everyone enjoyed. I was
'lucky' enough to be a part of the fashion show - a skill I have yet to master! :)

Now back home in Chilliwack, BC it has dawned on me that I'm hitting the road, tomorrow (Monday), for 7 weeks! It's amazing how it always sneaks up on you. So, I've been caught up in a whirlwind of trying to get myself organized and ready to head into the racing season. My bags are now (mostly) packed, laundry done, and the 'to do' list is getting smaller. Tomorrow evening I will be attending the Vancouver Gala then I'll be flying to Calgary for pictures, clothing pickup, fitness testing, and another Gala. From there, I will finally get back to the slopes....where the real work begins!