Year End - Bormio, Italy

Another World Cup season has come to a close and this year it ended in Bormio. It was a great week that, some days, felt more like a vacation than a race week! We enjoyed some wonderful days of sunshine but unfortunately that meant the course was unfit to race speed events and therefore the Men's and Women's final Downhill race was cancelled. One of those off days turned out to be extremely memorable after we decided to go to the Bagni di Vecchi Spa. It's an old natural spa built into the mountainside. I couldn't have dreamt of a better natural spa experience! It was amazing.


Luckily the warm weather put some moisture in the snow, and the night brought cold enough temperatures to set it up. The next day the men's and womens' Super G races went off. It was a fun course that I was excited to run. I was on that day but sadly I went too straight at one gate near the bottom that definitely cost me a top five and potentially a podium. Still, I finished with a 9th position which is a strong result and a reminder that I'm still very much in the mix in Super G.

Although exhausted and really looking forward to time at home, I'm sad to see the racing season end. I love racing and I look forward to next year. Looking ahead, I have many months of training camps and hours in the gym. All this time will be spent working towards the goal of being better and faster next year! I can't wait!

I'm now heading to Quebec City for the national Championships then I'll be in Whistler for a two week speed camp. I'll then have some time off before another training camp in Whistler at the end of April.

I finished this year ranked 5th in Downhill and with the most overall World Cup points I've collected yet, 445 (last year I collected 367). It was such a strong season for my whole team and the atmosphere is healthy and hardworking. Watching the crystal globes (they go the overall champions in each discipline) get handed out in Bormio was a great experience. It ignited that passion inside me that's kept me going all these years, I can't wait for next year!

Many Smiles,

Kelly

Crans Montana, 12th

After a few tough training days I was able to collect myself and turn out my best run of the week on race day. Although 12th isn't what I'm looking for I was happy to have a solid run, making all the gates, and finishing without the adrenaline rush from a near crash experience!

I came to Europe for the final World Cup races of the season full of desire to be on the podium, wanting to claw my way onto the overall World Cup podium. My focus became far too output oriented and I started to loose my touch and finesse, I was trying to force a great result. I was trying to be perfect to get that win, however it's letting go of that need for perfection that will ensure a good result, and someday that elusive win. It's unfortunately we have to keep learning these lessons, but that's life!

Otherwise I am well, feeling healthy, and surprisingly strong for the end of the season. Emily, Britt, and I will be heading to Bormio, Italy next for the World Cup finals. Things start quickly with the training runs on Monday and Tuesday and the Downhill race on Wednesday. I'm looking forward to getting on this track with the men, it's sure to be exciting!

Many Smiles,

Kelly

Whistler - The Olympic Track

Great news, I LOVE the Olympic track! Bad news, so do all the other athletes!

Seriously though, the track was great fun with lots of terrain, jumps, and it was technical from top to bottom. You simply never stop turning in the 1min 45sec Downhill. I was lucky enough to have a few days off at home before heading up to Whistler for the big week. I took this time to get my body ready both physically and mentally. As excited as I was to race in Whistler it didn't change the day to day tasks of getting prepared.

I had many supporters out to watch the event which made it that much more special. My family was out in full force along with Walt Graziani and others. There were also many of my good girl friends out from Ontario but (other than speeding by them while I was racing) I didn't get to see them. It was sad to have so many people at the event who meant so much to me but be unable to see them all. There were many events I was required to attend and just the regular day to day activities involved with racing World Cup took up nearly all of my time. Someday I'll be the spectator and able to join in all the festivities, but for now I'm loving being the athlete and racing my heart out.

Still, with this schedule, I did get a few meals in with my family which was great! Also, after the racing I drove with my sister back to Chilliwack for some time together (and we did a bit of her wedding preparations together) before getting her to the airport. It was nice to spend some time with my sister.

During the week David came down with a tough Aussi bug that he couldn't shake (he had just returned from a 7 week camp in Australia the day before joining me in Whistler). This sent him home after the Downhill for some R&R. I was amazed how he didn't complain and played the perfect supporting boyfriend while I got set to race in the Downhill. He's feeling better now though, back training as he gets set for Beijing this August.


The weather was picturesque for Whistler and the week went off without a hitch. We had two training runs in which I finished 4th, and 14th. Race day was extremely exciting and I was happy to finally race. I was full of excitement and nerves. The good kind of nerves, the kind that feel like butterflies full of excitement. I just wanted at the course. I wanted to race.

I finished in 9th position 0.59sec from 1st and only 0.2sec from 4th position. It was a tight race and I made some errors that meant I wasn't on the podium. I am, and always will be, happy when I'm in the top ten in the world. Still, I wanted a podium more than anything and in 2010 that's where all my focus will be.

I'm leaving Whistler with many good lessons, a sound understanding of the hill, and a complete commitment to the steps I'll need to take to better prepare for my next race here...the Olympics.


With all my excitement and passion,

Kelly

2nd in Sestriere!

I finally got my podium in Sestriere! Although it was two years after the Olympics, and on the Men's track, it certainly was bitter sweet to see the Canadian flag finally raised during the awards ceremony. It had a certain sense of completion, I knew I'd hit the podium there eventually (and two times I came oh so close) but on Saturday I finally did it. I finished 2nd, behind Lindsay Von and notably fellow Speed Queen Britt Janyk finished in 7th. It felt great to stand on the podium again....I could get addicted to this! (I also think I like the mens' tracks....St. Anton, Sestriere...)

- This image is of Britt and I dancing in the finish area before the awards! Many, many laughs all around.

I came into this week with a sense of excitement and determination. So far this year both Emily and Britt have gotten their first World Cup victories, I've been told it's now my turn. And believe me, I want it more than anything. This week was filled with the kind of work that will get me to that top step, and I won't let up. In warm up and training I was skiing in a way that will get me the podiums I desire. I felt dominant, in control, and enjoying the feeling of racing.

Saturday was a very full day. After the race we had Super G freeskiing, I had a press conference, and finally I returned back to the hotel for some lunch at 3:30pm. I got to my room at 4pm and I had lots left to do; bike, conference call, meetings, awards, bib draw, interviews, video, etc. However, I think I did a good job sticking to the things that would help prepare me for the Super G the next day. Coming into the weekend I was most excited about the SG, I thought that was where I was going to shine. (So my podium in the DH felt like a great set up for Sunday!)

Going to bed that night I was full of excitement after the podium, nervous energy for the Super G, and total exhaustion. However, as tired as I was, I couldn't sleep. I was lying in bed awake till 1am and woke at 5am. Still, I knew this would only affect my performance in the Super G if I let it. So I focused on each step in front of me. Inspection was good, and warm up was great. Before I went there were several holds and I started feel doubts about sections of the course. Still, I started out well and was leading after the top technical, rolly section. However, I lost a lot of time from there to the finish. I felt 'ok' but looking back I realize I was just a bit to rigid because I lacked trust in myself and my abilities. I finished 18th.

Again and again I'm learning the lesson that I can win when I just ski and trust myself. Moving forward I will have to be diligent and tough with my mental approach, facing the fears that lead to my doubts. No excuses, just go, race hard, and see what happens.


After the SG we promptly hit the road since we had a 6 hour drive to Zurich. We are all very excited to get back to Canada, sleep in our own beds for a few nights, and more than anything, we can't wait to see the new Olympic track! I'm extremely excited to be going to Whistler feeling strong and ready to race.

Whistler here we come!

Big Smiles,

Kelly

St Moritz

Well, St. Moritz was an interesting weekend! I was struggling a bit during the DH training runs to get a full run together but I was pretty positive with the majority of my splits. The final training run was cancelled due to fog and high winds. This prompted the 'Speed Queens' to go for a little sleigh ride! Crowns and All! We had a lot of laughs as we got some funny looks from people around us.

The DH race turned out to be a tough day as conditions drastically changed moment to moment until finally it cleared up and a tail wind carried the final athletes to the finish line. The athletes around Britt and I all had our year's worst results and had trouble explaining why exactly. Then the tides turned and nearly anyone who finished after the top 30 ended up in the top 10. With bib 47, Tina Maze, won the race and bib 34, a young swiss girl, finished 3rd with a crash through the finish line. (The first 30 bib numbers go to the top 30 athletes based on world ranking, it is unusual to have someone outside the top 30 finish in the top 10) Unfortunately these girls bumped my teammate Emily Brydon off the podium. It was hard to see but we all know luck goes both ways in this sport.

Emily came back the next day with the best answer possible by winning the Super G! It was so exciting for everyone and we sang the National anthem with pride! I started 4th and came down into first where I sat for a while until I finished up in 9th position. It was an extremely close race and a picture perfect day. I made one large mistake near the top of the course on two turns that caught many people off guard and having an early start number simply meant I didn't know about it. My splits were, 29th, 4th, and 2nd. I skied well and I felt great. This was my best Super G result this season and my skiing filled me with renewed confidence.

This weekend I also cracked out a new Helmet that I designed with the Teck Cominco colours. It's always fun to have a new helmet! I've been told this helmet looks 'meaner' and 'faster' than some I've had in the past. We shall see!

On my way out of St. Moritz I stopped to visit my old coach Peter Bassins' Aunt who still lives in that valley. She looked amazing and through broken German and English we did our best to communicate. She is a sweetheart and it was great to see her.

The next day we drove the 5 1/2 hours to Pragelato (just outside of Sestriere) where we'll stay for our upcoming world cup. We are staying in an amazing Kempinski hotel that is set up like a small village of wood cabins. It's certainly the most beautiful place we've stayed at this season, and certainly the best we've ever had in Europe. Only Britt Janyk, Emily Brydon, and I will be competing in this world cup since the rest of Canada will be competing at our National Championships in Whistler.

Here in Sestriere we'll be racing on the Men's Olympic track so it will be new for nearly the whole field. From here we'll get a few days at home before heading to Whistler for the first World Cup on the Olympic Track!!!! We are all Extremely excited to be racing there!

Big Smiles and Cheers,

Kelly

Cortina & 25th Birthday

2008 certainly started out with a bang for the Speed Queens with 3 girls in the top 6 in Cortina's Downhill! This was followed by all three of us remaining in the top 15 in the next two Super G's as well.

After two days of Downhill training run cancellations because of too much snow, the racing finally got going on Friday. Sadly I got sick with a virus that was brought over by a few Canadian girls, so I was happy to have the days off. I knew I was quite sick when I chose to stay in bed rather than ski epic powder with the girls on the second day of cancellations! It sounded amazing, but I needed the rest and knew even powder couldn't get me out of bed. The race had to be my priority.

Finally the first training run got going on Friday with a planned start of 10am. The start was slowly moved to noon as they realized more work had to be done to the track. Finally, the forerunners were on course and I made the way up to the start. As I took my final step to the start hut, I was told I should turn around since there would be another hold on course. This time for an avalanche that took out some nets! That was a new one for all of us! After this, the training run really did get underway. After all the delays I was pretty tired and ready to crawl back into bed. I finished 22nd.

The next day was race day. The Canadian Speed Queens came out to race! We finished 3rd - Emily Brydon, 4th - Myself, and 6th - Britt Janyk. The other Canadian girls had a bit of trouble with this new track but came away with some positive experience. It wasn't easy for them with only one training run.

Up next were two Super G's. I haven't been as strong in this event this year and I haven't trained it much lately. Although I knew I was skiing well and I was on my game so this gave me confidence. I simply tried to relax and focus on 'just skiing'. I was worried about the sickness in my lungs being a factor but I knew I could do nothing about it, so I chose to ignored it. I focused on the fact that I only had to perform for less than 2 minutes. You can do anything for 2 minutes!

In the first SG I finished 15th with one big mistake that I was happy to recover from and avoid a crash. (I caught an edge in the soft snow and nearly went down). My splits were very positive placing 2nd at the top, 38th where I made my mistake, then 11th and 4th. Even though the final result wasn't there, I was happy with my day and attitude. Emily finished 4th and Britt 6th. Another good day for the Canadians.

I was excited for the next Super G, plus it was my birthday!

Unfortunately the course was almost exactly the same set, and I once again drew a late number (it was warm so the snow wasn't holding up as well as it usually does). I was still skiing well but felt some anxiety in wanting it so badly and being attached the how it felt yesterday. Finally, I was ok, just in the section where I made my mistake yesterday I was very slow - I was trying to control everything. The top section, I killed it once again coming 1st in that section. I finished the run in 13th position, really a solid finish, but far below what I'm capable of. However, I came away from this weekend with new found confidence in Super G.

After the race I found out that the television announcers here in Europe were really taking notice of the Canadians. They kept saying, as the race unfolded, that nothing was over until the last Canadian (in the top 30) came down. Lately the congratulations between athletes and coaches start after number 22 has finished the course (that means the top 15 racers were down). However, no one congratulated anyone till I was down with bib 27. This was a huge compliment and it has filled me with more confidence. The Canadian Girls are getting noticed.

After the race we packed up and got set to leave for Mals for a few days off and then a training block before heading to St. Moritz for our next World Cup. Before we hit the road we had lunch and the staff of the hotel got together and brought me an amazing birthday cake! It was very sweet. We then hit the road and made our way to Hotel Gerda in Burgeis where I had another birthday cake awaiting me. I hit the hay pretty early feeling exhausted after a very full day and looking forward to a couple days off, hoping to get over this cold.

All and all I had a wonderful Birthday, although I really missed David who's in Australia and my family back in Canada.

Take care and I look forward to seeing many of you again soon during the Whistler World Cup! I'll be racing the DH there on February 22nd!!!!

Back in Europe

Time certainly passes quickly! Christmas break is over and 2008 is in full swing. I just arrived back in Europe, currently staying in Altenmarkt Austria, and today was my first day of training. Pretty easy first day with some GS gates then freeskiing once it got too busy as the public took over the course. Otherwise, I'm doing well, feeling healthy, excited get back racing, and looking forward to all that 2008 has to offer.

My Christmas holidays were wonderful! I spent Christmas day with David's family in Victoria, then we enjoyed time at home before heading up to Whistler for some training/powder/Olympic track inspection. The new women's race hill looks exciting, tough, and fast. I look forward to running it this February for the World Cup that's being held there on February 22nd.

Take care and I'll update you as the season unfolds!

Merry Christmas!!!!

Well, that was certainly the best Christmas present I could have possibly given myself; my support crew; and all of those who cheer me on. I finally hit the podium on the World Cup Downhill circuit!!!! (Let me begin by apologizing for the number of exclamation points that will appear in this e-mail - I am admittedly excited!)

After a shaky pre-season, and challenging performances (save for a 6th in Aspen) I was feeling extremely low after St. Moritz. I wasn't myself and I was trying so hard to make it work. I wanted it badly and analyzed everything I did, I was my worst critic. I felt lost and tired knowing that the road I was on wasn't going to take me where I wanted to go and where I knew I was capable of being.


I knew things had to change and I had to figure out the root of this uneasiness. I knew I was still skiing well, in St Moritz I was actually training and freeskiing better than I had in a long time. So this meant there was a disconnect when I raced. It didn't take me long from there to figure out that my inner dialogue was completely negative while I raced (and during most of my training as well). I was never connected to the moment, to the doing. I thought if I tried hard enough, wanted it enough, I could force the results to come. I wanted to prove my inner critic wrong. Obviously this wasn't working. I had to kick the inner critic to the curb first, the results would come second.



I then spent a lot of time writing in my journal, I connected with my sport psychologist Roger Friesen, read from Terry Orlick's book, my coaches set up a meeting with me because they too felt the wall I was putting a wall up around me. Simply put, I got back to just skiing.

From there the results just kept flowing in. I was the most consistent racer in training with a 6th, 5th, and 6th. Luckily, I saved my best result for race day! My run wasn't perfect, but nobodies was. This course is the most technical downhill I've ever run, I was happy to show I could perform this well on a track that had no gliding sections. This course has been likened to the women's version of the Kitzbuhel. I must be a true crazy Canuck then, because I loved it!

Once in the finish area I put on my Santa hat since it was my last race before Christmas (and it's my favourite time of year). Once the awards finished, interviews, press conferences, peeing in a cup (yes, that was a big highlight of my day!), I then made my way the towns infamous Krazy Kangaroo Bar. Although I wasn't there long I did have a lot of fun! In the old tradition, I was behind the bar serving the drinks!

I'm now home in Chilliwack with David and will be spending Christmas with his family in Victoria. I had a quick stop over in Toronto on my way here and had a Christmas in the airport! My sister, brothers, parents, aunt and cousin were there. We ordered pizza and wings right into the terminal and had a great time catching up, smiling, and laughing. It was a wonderful time!

After Christmas, I have some skiing planned in Whistler and quiet time at home.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

With More Smiles than I know what to do with,

Kelly

2nd in St Anton!!!!!

They are calling this course, the Kitzbuhl of the women's circuit. Well, I must be crazy then because I loved it! I will write more later but I wanted to get some images up of this amazing day!

I finished 2nd in a North American sweep of the podium...in Austria no less. This was my first World Cup Downhill podium and my second World Cup podium.

Merry Christmas everyone!!!!!!

Aspen, Britt Wins, Kelly 6th

I hope you are having a wonderful weekend and looking forward to the Holiday Season as it quickly approaches.

I'm just about to leave Aspen but I wanted to send a quite note because today was a pretty special day. With extremely challenging conditions they were able to get the Downhill race off. They lowered to start (only cutting out the gliding section at the top which was a bit sad for me) and the snow was soft with bumps and piles all over the place after nearly a metre fell yesterday. Still snowing today, we were extremely lucky we got to race, especially with the final results...

Britt Janyk Won! And I finished only .20 off the podium which put me into 6th position. I was in second after the final interval but lost a lot of time to the finish. This was the section that caught me in my last training run and shook me up a bit, unfortunately I was simply too round and tentative. Otherwise, the whole run was a great success.

Take care and Thank you all for the amazing support!

We're now off to St. Moritz...(Val D'Isere got cancelled due to lack of snow).

Big Smiles,
K

Epic Powder, Hot Tubs, Pranks, n Shopping

I've said it before and I'll say it again. I LOVE Aspen!



Although today's race was cancelled it was the best possible situation to have it cancelled. That is because it snowed so much that it was cancelled first thing in the morning. We (the girls) promptly went and rented powder skis! We spent our morning ripping it up in waist deep powder with a few hosts who knew the mountain.

From the hill we went into the outdoor hot tubs at the Sky Hotel! Ahhhhh, rough life. While enjoying our time in the pools, Brett (one of our coaches) came to say hello. He was fresh off the hill and excited about the morning of powder. Without notice or planning, Britt, Sherry, and I got a hold of him and threw him in the pool! Luckily Emily was still in the pool to pull him out in case he sunk to the bottom. He was an amazing sport about it all....although I'm sure we'll have to watch our backs for a while!!!!

After the hot tubs, we went out for a nice lunch then hit the shops. Yes, this was a perfect day (next to a great race day that is)!

Lake Louise, Right to Play, New Sponsor

Well, the first weekend of racing is now over. Our team saw great success with Britt Janyk's performances and I put in a solid weekend of racing finishing 21st and 16th. Although I'm not happy with those results, I came away with more confidence in my skiing and with the knowledge that not much will have to change to get in the top ten and on the podium. I certainly want it badly enough and have loads of passion itching to get out. I'm currently in Aspen getting set for the Downhill and Super G races that will be held this Friday and Saturday.

There is also some big news about the amazing organization Right to Play. In short, the women's ski team are now ambassadors for Right to Play. Plus, Emily Brydon, Britt Janyk, and myself have become personal Right to Play Ambassadors. On Sunday, the day of the Super G race in Lake Louise, Emily, Britt and I committed our prize money earnings from this race to support Right to Play. Although we didn't end up with the results we'd hoped for this initiative will continue to move forward!

I look forward to announcing our next fundraising initiative with Right to Play!

Here is a link to read more about our Right to Play initiatives,

http://www.righttoplay.com/site/TR?px=1217022&fr_id=1040&pg=personal

On another note, I'm extremely pleased to announce that I have a new headgear sponsor! I will now be working with Teck Cominco. They are a diversified mining and metals company who's headquarters are located in Vancouver. This company is also a VANOC 2010 sponsor and all the metal used to create the medals for the 2010 Olympics will come from Teck Cominco's mines! (I've already asked them to set aside a medal, or two, for me!) This company strives for sustainability and holds true to the many values I feel are important in life and in business. I look forward to working with Teck Cominco.

Here is a link to learn more about Teck Cominco

http://www.teckcominco.com/

Take care and I'll keep you updated as the season unfolds!

Big Smiles,

Kelly

Season's Quickly Approaching

Every year it's the same, the feeling of astonishment that the racing season is already upon us. One week from now the world will be coming to Panorama for the Women's GS/SL events and to Lake Louise for the Men's DH/SG events. Sadly I will be unable to compete for a spot in the women's GS event in Panorama as I'd hoped. There was a FIS rule I didn't know about that excludes me from even trying to win a spot in that race. Although I've been training a lot of GS and seen huge improvements for myself in this discipline over the last 2 years, I haven't been racing it enough. Therefor, my world ranking has dropped to 354th in the world. I had to be ranked 350th in the world or better to compete. I hadn't realized my ranking had dropped so much in the last year (no racing will do that!). I believe there must be a reason/meaning for why I'm not able to race this GS. Happily, I have two disciplines where I'm ranked in the top 10 so at least my time away from GS racing was well spent.

Otherwise, I'm doing well and I am extremely excited to start racing in Lake Louise! My wrist is holding up well in training and my new brace will allow me enough movement to race and compete to the best of my abilities. We've been training the last week in Nakiska where one run is open (with another run opening tomorrow). The training in Nakiska is challenging but great at the same time. We've been blown away a few times, literally blown away, by the wind that is. Yes, Nakiska is known for it's wind storms! Luckily it hasn't been too cold so it's not too difficult to endure.

As for my skiing it's coming back to a place where I feel strong and confident. Although I'm a bit shaky emotionally I know, come race day, I will be ready. I have so many years of training in me that I can rely on my instincts.

As for what I've been up to since my last blog, well, Lots! I was honoured with the task of ringing the opening bell at the TSX. I was joined by CBRE, Comcor, and my family for this wonderful event. Another big event was the Gala in Toronto. This was a fun evening full of music by the Barenaked Ladies and Tom Cochrane plus amazing food. (Photo: Kelly, Britt Janyk, Larisa Yurkiw, Manuel Osborne)

I hope everyone reading this is well and looking forward to the, quickly approaching, winter wonderland that is snow. I love being Canadian!!!

Cheers,

Kelly

Broken Radius

Sadly, this message is going to be a bit short as I struggle to type with a new addition to my arm - a cast.

Yesterday, my day of Super G training with the girls started out great. In my first run back in speed I won the first run, and in this crew that's something to be proud of any day. My next run I touched the ground with my inside hand on one turn, unfortunately it dug into the soft snow. Although I never fell nor did I lose my pole, I did wrench my wrist badly. I knew right away I'd hurt it. After Dr. Mark Heard took a quick look at my wrist and Andree taped it up as well as she could, I continued with my training session. I did 3 more runs of Super G, and amazingly had some good skiing in there (but slow times as it took me an extra second just to get to the first gate since I couldn't push out of the gate!). The rest of the day I kept it taped up but continued with my regular work of dryland, video, etc.

Today was a day off for everyone. After realizing my wrist still hurt this morning Andree and I decided to get an x-ray done in Invermere. (For this Farnham camp we're staying in Panorama and taking the helicopter in & out of the glacier every day....ya, we're spoiled!) The hospital visit was fast and painless with the aid of a great South African doctor. The x-ray showed a fracture on my Radius' styloid process. So, a cast went on.

I'll continue to train the rest of this camp with some modifications to my pole and taping my hand to it. After two weeks in this cast I hope I'll be able to move into different casts that are more fitting for skiing and weight training. I should be out of the casts in about 4 weeks.

Now the big news, I will be all better and set to race in Lake Louise!

So finally, don't worry about me. I'll be just fine, simply getting some of these injuries out of the way. I'll be ready and excited to race as soon as the season kicks off.

I just read a great article on CBC's website about Farnham with a bit about your's truly in there! Here is the link if you'd like to check it out.

http://www.cbc.ca/sports/indepth/column-scottrussell.html

Take care!

Till next time,

Kelly

Farnham Glacier, Leg Solid

What an adventure this is, camping out at Green Camp on Farnham Glacier. The tents are surprisingly comfortable, mostly warm and dry, and the food is amazing with some girls chefing it up with healthy but tasty food.

I've skied four days now and I'm really happy with how my leg is doing. It didn't swell up after skiing and I've been really excited to see how solid in feels in the turns. Although it's not perfect, I'm back skiing so life is back as it should be! Since being here it's snowed about 45cm. This has meant that the training has been less than ideal but at least we've been getting on our skis and doing what we can. However, the last two days of skiing were impressively good after the cat driver's did a great job removing as much snow from the track as possible.

I'm sharing a tent with Meg Ryley, Anna Goodman, Emilie Desforges, and Gail Kelly. We're in close quarters but we all seem to be enjoying it. Although looking at this place with the knowledge I'll only be here for 4 days here is very different than if this was home for weeks...or even months.

There have been a few notable moments here so far. Our first day we had one young girl with Alberta pass out during the orientation meeting (she was fine, just a bit sick and hadn't eaten in a while); a near death experience driving up to the ski hill as our truck lost control going backwards (both luck and skilled driving by Steve pulled us out of this situation unharmed, although it was too close for anyone's comfort and spectators to the incident where pretty scared for our safety); and finally a spider crawling up my arm in the middle of the night which I squashed as soon as I felt it then had to pick it off me and my bed with the aid of my flashlight. Good times, good times.

Regardless, I have to admit I've really enjoyed being here and realizing that this whole set up is here to help us go faster. It's incredible to think about how many people have put in countless hours to get us here. I have to admit it's mind blowing. It makes me feel extremely supported and very excited for every opportunity I'll get to race for Canada in Canada.

No one can ever say skiing isn't inTents!

Cheers,

Kelly

Getting Back to Lifting Weight

Well, I'm in Calgary and this morning was my first day getting back into lower body weights. Although still limited in some ranges of motion, I'm feeling good. It's nice to be back lifting (I was watching my right leg get smaller and smaller! Not fun.) Here I'm working with Kent Kobelka for physio and Matt Price for training.

Over the last few weeks I have been keeping busy with training on the bike and doing upper body/core and physio. I was also doing a lot of training in the water, going for runs with a flotation belt or in the lake with booties on. Unfortunately last week after one of my swims I came out with swimmer's itch! (Something I had never heard of until that point) I looked like I had the chicken pox and it was unbelievably itchy (hence the name). Oh well, it only took about 4 days to settle down and now all the dots are fading. In the end I had to laugh! It is extremely rare to get this from swimming in Cultas lake, but I did! If there's a way, I will find it...unfortunately.

David is in Brazil getting set to race in his World Championships this coming weekend. I am both nervous and excited for him. I love cheering him on, still it's a place of no control and all trust. But, no matter what happens in sport, I will be there to love him and give him a big hug and kiss whenever he needs it!

As for skiing, for now the plan is to get me back on snow early in October.

Till next time,

Kelly

Minor Injury

Yes, injuries happen to the best of us, especially in this dangerous sport of downhill skiing.

I just wanted to let everyone know that I'm doing well now that I'm back here in Canada. I met with the surgeon Dr. McCormack and the prognosis was the same as what I heard from Chris Irving (Ski Team's Doctor) and the Chilean Surgeon. Depending on how the bone heals (it's different from case to case) I should expect a full recovery in anywhere from 2 weeks to 3 months. So, no matter what I'll be racing this season.

What I have is a moderate bone bruise. For now I can't weight bare as I try and let the bone heal so it doesn't escalate into a fracture or more cartilage damage.

So, my camp in Chile ended short. I fell in our afternoon session of Slalom on Monday August 27. That day I got X-rays on the hill and they came through unclear. Chris Irving, our team doctor, then took me down to Santiago for more X-Rays and finally an MRI. The final prognosis there was that I had a moderate bone bruise and that I would need crutches to prevent any weight bearing on the bone for a while.

In the end, I am very relieved that my ligaments are solid and strong, my bone is not cracked, and I'll be back before we know it! For now I'm set up with one of Canada's top Physios in Abbotsford and will be working to get back as soon as possible with as little muscle loss as possible during the recovery.

I will keep you up to date as things progress and if I get anymore information. For now I'll be doing physio and my plan is to go to Calgary on the 16th of September for a fitness camp with Matt Price (our physical trainer) and a few other athletes who are returning from injury. Our next ski camp is in October at Farnham glacier, for now the plan is for me to be there.

Upon my return to Canada David picked me up and has been taking great care of me. With a beautiful flower bouquet and all, he has been amazing! Unfortunately David is leaving for Brazil on Sunday for his World Championships but I have lots of support here and I'll be just fine.

Again, please don't worry about me. I am really happy that this injury was not more severe and I feel positive that my recovery will be shorter rather than longer. I'll keep you up to date as things move along. I'm just happy that my knee ligaments held together through a crash like that! Pretty amazing really.

Big Smiles,

Kelly

La Parva, Chile

This morning I happily awoke to the snow falling, it's a picturesque Christmas day in August! Today is my first day off since arriving in La Parva ski resort 6 days ago.Here training are the women's World Cup Tech and Speed teams and we are expecting the arrival our Development team today. This year we jumped right into full courses and intense sessions on the hill, which left all of us with some extremely stiff backs. We were all moving like old lady's until yesterday when our bodies adjusted to being back on snow. As much as we train and as strong as we are, there is simply no way to simulate the G-forces your back deals with in the courses.

So far we've done Slalom, GS, and Super G training. All the teams are staying in different apartments, I'm with the Speed team which includes Emily Brydon, Britt Janyk, Sherry Laurence, Larisa Yurkiw, Dany Polleschuk, and Alison Forsyth. Our physio with us right now is Therese from Whistler who has been great at keeping us in one piece. The tech team has been faced with a few altitude issues and minor injuries but they're pushing through.

Three days ago we had some young visitors from Ontario come watch our GS training. Unfortunately I didn't realize one of the groups was Pete Bassin and his racers from Chicopee! I am still upset with myself that I didn't clue into the fact that it was Pete (the helmet through me off). I would have loved to ski with the kids and rip around the slopes with them. Oh well, hopefully we'll get another opportunity next year or sometime this season.

As for myself, I'm feeling strong and finding my rhythm again. There are some changes I'm determined to pattern into my skiing to help me continue moving downhill. :) As a group the level of skiing has really been picked up. Emily, Brit and I are all close and with Ali's return it's creating a great competitive environment. There have also been equipment changes for this upcoming season. The skis are now wider, plates are smaller, and boot heights are lower. All of these changes are in an effort to make this dangerous sport a bit safer. Hopefully, these changes will mean the athletes will face less severe and frequent injuries. Volkl & Marker have done an excellent job adjusting to the new requirements. The differences in the equipment aren't overwhelming and we can still turn these skis with the best of 'em.

We'll be staying here in La Parva for another 10 days then we'll make our way to Portillo after a few days off on the coast for recovery. Yes, life is rough!

With Lots of Smiles and Best Wishes,

Kelly

Heads Up - The National

I just thought I'd let everyone know that The National (Canada's top news program, which airs at 10pm Eastern Time) will be featuring a story on Wednesday, August 8 about David and I.

It's a year out from the Beijing Olympics and they'll be talking about the funding discrepancies between winter and summer sports. It always a surprise to see how pieces are edited, so I hope it turns out well!

Come One Come All - Press Conference

Everyone is welcome to attend a Car Presentation and Press Conference for Kelly VanderBeek that will be held at Mertin GM in Chilliwack on Tuesday, August 7th at 11:30am. There will be a few short speeches and I will be available for interviews, post card signing, and more.

Where: Mertin Pontiac Buick GMC Ltd
45930 Airport Road
Chilliwack, BC
V2P 1A2

When: Tuesday, August 7th
11:30am

Duration: About 45min total time

Everyone's Welcome!