Summer Update

I hope this e-mail finds you all lightly bronzed after some well deserved time in the sun! I have been out on my bike more and more and find I have a sock tan! (Something to say for someone as pale as me!)


Since my last update I have spent time in Calgary with our team’s physios, trainers, and doctors; I have been home; and I have travelled with David helping out where I can on his World Cup tour. It’s amazing how similar David’s tour is like ski racing – I guess if we’re considered the winter circus they’re the summer circus equivalent.





Calgary

My time in Calgary was great. It was one week of physio and fitness. I also caught up with most of our men’s team as they trained. Seeing the men’s team and how they’re working together made me realize their team hasn’t changed much heading into this next quadrennial. A stark comparison to the women’s side as we have seen many changes in the last year. I’m looking forward to working with our new staff and with a group of athletes who are extremely motivated! Still, I will miss some of our coaches who have moved on and especially the athletes who are now travelling new paths.



Knee

As for my knee, they said it is doing well and about where they expected it to be. It will be a longer recovery than I had hoped, however, I’m still heading towards a healthy knee for ski racing. At the end of my week in Calgary I had an injection in my knee to help get is moving a bit smoother. It seems to be helping and keeping my knee moving forward in its recovery. My bending is still improving slowly. They aren’t too worried about it now since I have a very useful range of motion and more than enough range to be a ski racer. My yoga poses may suffer a little…but hey…a small price to pay for rocking it out on the ski hills!




Europe

My time in Europe with David was great. I bought a cheap bike there (costing about $70 CDN….so you can imagine that it wasn’t exactly high quality). Yet it was its quirky cheapness that made me love that bike (knowing I wouldn’t be using it long helped as well!) It was great to have though and I enjoyed riding in Europe. That was my first time seeing Europe from a bike seat and I fell in love with riding there. I also took some pictures while there as I continue to enjoy my pursuits to grow as a photographer. It’s a wonderful art and one I’m continuing to fall more in love with. As is always the case with sport David had some good days and challenging days. Ah, the joys of highs and lows in sport! He is fit and fast though – so it’s just a matter of finding the race gear and tweaking a few equipment issues.

Article

There is also a great article on the FIS Alpine website if you care to check it out:

http://www.fisalpine.com/news/the-unsinkable-kelly-vanderbeek,792.html

It also links from the front page of the FIS Alpine at:

www.fisalpine.com

Otherwise, I’m doing well and enjoying some sunshine!

Cheers,

Kelly

David's Team Trials

Well, David has once again qualified for the World Cup and World Championship team with a great weekend of racing. David struggled to find his race gear on Saturday but came through with very fast runs on Sunday showing he's right on pace for the summer!

Here are a few images I took from the weekend:

Milestones & Injury

Since my last blog there have been some promising developments with my knee and lots of changes within Alpine Canada.

First, let’s talk knees.

The milestones of injury have included such exciting moments as; the first day I wore jeans; when my foot had a normal colour while standing; the day I ditched the crutches; did a revolution on a bike; climbed the stairs normally; first workout where I broke a sweat…etc. Most of these milestones are rather small but they are still reasons to celebrate. These daily advances keep my focus on the positive as I slowly improve. Since I’ve been able to start biking outside my leg muscles have started to return. I have very cute little muscles now! (oh so feminine…:) I’m having loads of fun outside and enjoying the feeling of filling my lungs with fresh air.

I’m currently in Whistler supporting David as he prepares for his team selection for the World Championships. It’s been great having this time together and we’ve both fallen even more in love with this part of the world. Now…if only I could win the lottery and retire to luxury here in Whistler!

My knee is at 130degrees of flexion and this range is becoming healthier and smoother every week. I’m working with Andree Lavoie (she was a physio therapist with Alpine Canada for over 15years) here in Whistler and we’re plugging along. Although I always wish this process was faster she seems pretty happy with what she sees.

A New Team

Many of you may have heard through the media that there have been a lot of changes within my team and the organization at Alpine Canada. My world will certainly look different – especially with the retirement of two of my teammates. Emily Brydon and Shona Rubens have hung up their race skis to pursue other interests. I’m sad to them go and I will miss them terribly on the tour. Still, I now we will remain lifelong friends and wish them nothing but the best moving forward.

Our coaching staff is also completely different. I’m looking forward to seeing how these changes come together and what the new team dynamic will look like. Next season will be a fresh start in many respects and I look forward to everything that that will bring to the table.

As far as getting back on my skis…it’ll be another few weeks before we’ll start looking at timelines. But I know with each passing day I’m getting closer to arching some turns on the white stuff. For now, I’m happy to feel the sun on my face, the air in my lungs, and to watch my muscles rebuild. It’s a lot of hard work, but the milestones keep me going. Next week – a marathon! (Ha ha, just kidding)

Cheers,

Kelly

Spring, Inspiring K1's, Knees

Spring has sprung here in BC. Although we had bouts of spring throughout…well, let’s face it, all winter….it seems as though springtime has truly arrived. With the temperatures reaching 18 degrees and the sun packing some heat, the snow peaked mountains are going to be green shortly. I’m still enjoying my time at home as we begin planning the summer/fall. It seems as though life is getting back to normal as I’m becoming more able bodied.

Inspiring K1’s

I spent the last weekend in Trail and Rossland, British Columbia. I was there representing Teck and getting to meet and work with over 200 K1’s (meaning 11 and 12 year old ski racers). It was the BC Championships and the event was great. I spoke at the banquet and handed out medals…in awe at how good these kids were. I saw something in every kid’s skiing that they could build on. I know how long the road it is to the World Cup, but it’s all a matter of putting together their own jigsaw puzzle. And these kids are starting to collect the pieces.

Since my injury I’ve watched a lot of ski racing. Before the Olympics, during the Olympics, and post Olympics with the exciting finish at the World Cup Finals. Watching skiing through a TV is only so exciting though. It was seeing these kids race over the weekend, on a sunny, warm, hard snow, day that really lit the fire inside me. Wow, did I ever want to be out on the hill with those kids. Ripping around, hitting the gates, and feeling the thrill of arching a turn with power.

Trail’s Teck Operations also presenting me with an honorary, solid silver, medal. It was extremely heart warming to know they thought of me enough to make this. I was extremely flattered to receive such a unique and distinct medal – truly one of a kind.










Knee Update

As for my knee, there have been a few progressions since my last blog. I met with Dr. McCormack, the top orthopaedic surgeon here in Vancouver, yesterday. My knee’s progression has hit a bit of a plateau in regards to how far I can bend it (flexion). I’m also noticing limits with my extension. These facts, combined with the timing of being 3 months out from my surgery, means they’re going to intervene. It’s now in the works to plan a manipulation under anaesthetic and likely a scope as well. I’m confident that this will be the turning point in my recovery.

Although I worked extremely hard to avoid such intervention, this is where I’m at. Still, my knee looks solid and on the road to a full recovery.

Till next time,

Kelly

Plunking Along

I can’t believe we’ve already passed the middle of March. I have really enjoyed my time at home with David the last few weeks. It’s been almost surreal planning for weekends in advance, to feel a sense of living here at home…not just a place where I rest my head in transition. Usually our weeks together are filled with unpacking, re-packing and a million chores before we say goodbye for another stretch. Amazingly, we’re still married too! Many people have joked that our time apart is what’s kept us together all these years, although I have to argue that that’s what has held us back from being even closer (no pun intended).

My knee is coming along, but again, it’s a slow process. Some days it feels daunting knowing how far I have to go and the pain I’ll have to endure to get there. Although my muscles are reacting extremely well and the range I have is fairly functional – it’s still very limited. Daily routines include a lot of painful exercises to increase my range of motion. I’m lucky to have David with me since he’s able to push me extremely hard in between my physio sessions. This is key to getting my knee healthy again…although I know it’s hard on David.

What else has been keeping me busy? Well, as anyone who knows me I certainly like to fill my time with projects! One thing that I’ve been working on for the last 5 weeks has been a mental training program through Minds At Work. It’s a program that trains your ‘working memory’ – the functional short term memory you use to perform everyday tasks. It is also said to help high performance athletes take in a lot of information at once and process it quickly in order to help make the best possible decision. This would all happen in a millisecond. I’ve been happy with the training and I look forward to seeing how it translates into my daily life. Lately, I can say that I have felt ‘highly functional’ but it’s hard to specify changes since it’s so pervasive. The brain is elastic and I know from experience that we can train our minds and bodies to reach incredible feats.

On another front, I have become quite popular as a keynote speaker for corporate events. This has kept me busy along with my speaking engagements at schools.

All in all, life if good. I’m plunking along working hard as always. Still, my number one priority is getting my knee back in working order so I can race as fast as ever.

Cheers,

Kelly

Roll up the Rim & Ice Cubes

Is this the quiet after the storm?

It’s hard to say goodbye to an event we’ve looked forward to for so long and an event that exceeded my wildest dreams. After the closing ceremonies, which David and I were lucky enough to attend, we made our way home. The next day I had that feeling of total satisfaction with my Olympic experience yet sadness as I knew it was over. We went to Tim’s that next morning and I was surprise to see Roll up the Rim was back – I had to laugh. It was the perfect pick me up for a true Canadian suffering from post Olympic let down.

Stories from Abroad

There were many stories floating around about how the world reacted to our Olympics. Generally, the world was extremely impressed and they have a new impression of Canada after seeing the flowers blooming mid-February here on our supposedly frozen tundra.

One story I thought needed sharing came from Down Under. David was in Australia training for the first block of our Olympics. A week into the Games the local radio station began pleading to their listeners for public aid. This stimulus package wasn’t for Haiti, rather, they were looking to save Canada’s Olympic Games. They asked all their listeners to go to their freezer and ship as many ice cubes as they could spare to Vancouver!

Knee Update

My degree watch took a bit of a hiatus during the Olympics. Although I was still hard at work doing my exercises my blog had more important details to cover! In Whistler I worked with Andree Lavoie, a physiotherapist who used to work with our team for 15years. Between Andree, my portable physio clinic I had set up in my hotel room, and the pool at the Westin I was well covered.

Good news; I’ve ditched the crutches! I’m now walking full time without any assistance. My leg has some muscle again so the blood flow is back to normal which feels great and lets me stand and move a lot more. My balance is quite good on my leg and I can stand on one leg doing basic exercises.

On the other side, bending my knee is coming slowly. I’m currently at 75degrees and slowly making progress. I’m going to town bending my knee pushing to tears 3 to 4 times a day. Everything is coming along extremely well once I get new range of motion – but it’s a stiff knee. It’ll come though and I am confident that the work I’m doing will get the results I’m looking for.

Other good news is that the ligaments are nice and tight! My knee is strong knee once again.

Food For Thought:

- Has anyone else lost their excitement for the NHL? After the Gold medal game I’ve become spoiled. It was such a high level of hockey, with so much at stake, that the NHL has simply lost some shine. Don’t worry, I’m sure it’s shine will return. However, for now, I’m happy to bask in my Olympic memories of what hockey can look like.

- Are our Olympians going to fade off into the sunset? I was extremely surprised to learn from the Conglomerate (CTV, TSN & Sportsnet) that as soon as the Games are over they aren’t allowed to use any video footage from the Olympics. Not in highlight reels; not in wrap up shows; nor in yearend highlights either; the images from these Olympics can’t be used again…period. Sadly, I think this IOC rule adds to the fact that many Olympians seems to disappear between the Olympic Games. Wouldn’t it be great if the highlights from Vancouver were replayed all year long?!

- Congratulations Erik Guay!!!!! Way to go winning Kvitfjell’s World Cup Super G!!!!

Till next time,

Kelly

Golden Games

I can't believe the Olympics are already wrapping up. After dreaming about this occasion and preparing for it for over 9years (one might argue my whole life) I certainly leave with mixed emotions. For one thing I'm in absolute awe at how well Canada and VANOC prepared for these games and hosted the world. I'm not leaving with a medal as I'd dreamt, but I am leaving with renewed spirit, amazing memories, and new friends.

Canada's world record setting Gold medal haul is what impressed me the most. The athletes were certainly going for Gold! Although that attitude may have cost us some silver and bronze medals due to blow outs, it’s that kind of effort that has made Canada Gold Medal record breakers. (And hopefully our boys on the ice will bring home the final Gold medal!) In previous e-mails I’d talked about my fellow Wrigley athlete Denny Morrison, well, he finally did it with his teammates and won Gold! Congratulations! I voted them in as they best underdogs of the games… www.chewtowin.ca/spirit

These last 5 days of the Games I was able to share with David. We went to a hockey game with the Hudson’s and cheered on Team Canada to a victory over Germany. We hung out on set in Whistler, and we cheering along with everyone as we urged our Canadian athletes on. Now, we’re settling in to watch to most anticipated Game at the Olympics. Go Boys Go!!!! We’ll also be in the stadium watching the closing ceremonies – we are both extremely excited to watch Canada wrap up this incredible show.

These Olympics certainly didn’t disappoint – they exceeded everything I’d ever imagined.

Till next time,

Kelly

'Wedding Phenomenon'

When David and I were married in the spring it hit me that that may be the only moment in our lives where everyone we loved was in the same place. I’m now realizing, that the Olympics has that same ‘wedding phenomenon’. Everyone I know (and just about ever did know) from sport are in the area. From all over the world, sport has come together to throw the biggest party in our lives. It’s spectacular, emotional, and will leave us with lifelong memories.

National Anthem

I watched Jon Montgomery be awarded his Gold medal here in Whistler. It was a moment I’ll never forget – to hear everyone there belt out our National Anthem with such pride was spectacular. It was emotional on so many levels – I felt profoundly happy for him and for everyone who felt a piece of his victory, whether as a spectator or as a bandwagon fan. I was beginning to leave after he was awarded his medal when they went right into the awards for the women’s SG. I don’t know why, but it caught be off guard. I really thought I’d be up there with those girls, but life had a different plan for me. I cheered along with the whole crowd, while also shedding a few emotional tears.

PS – Someone voted Jon Montgomery in for the “Best Underdog” award. Vote him into the lead at: www.chewtowin.ca/spirit

Just A Few Thoughts…

How about this US domination – especially on the hills here in Whistler. They have already gotten more medals in Alpine than they ever have before. It makes me wonder if their comfort here has something to with feeling at home in our culture…yet not having the pressure of a home Olympics.

I’ve also been reading a few articles where reporters are saying Canada’s Alpine athletes chocked. I know how badly each and every Canadian athlete wants to stand on the podium but I know personally how badly our alpine athletes wanted it. To begin with, if you look at each individual, they needed their personal bests to stand on that podium, and for some, better than their personal bests (ex. Britt has never stood on the podium in Super G yet was expected to podium here). That’s a lot to ask of an athlete let alone expect it, then admonish them when they don’t reach those standards. I also think the projections for our Alpine Team were too steep. In a perfect world we could have done it – but with 5 Olympians no longer competing and all that pressure resting on fewer shoulders, the burden was too much to bear. Plus, this is ski racing. There is an ebb and flow to success as Bode and Mancuso have shown us.

Own the Podium’s support has been vital to Alpine Canada. Their support along with corporate sponsors is the only reason our team still has a shot at the podium after losing so many athletes to injury. Own the Podium became a reality in 2005 and fully functional a few years after that. In that short a period, Alpine athletes have flourished with this new found support. I hope this momentum and funding will continue since it is working – regardless of the results here in Whistler.

It’s sad to see an athlete fall short of what their potential holds. The Olympics are over in an instant and one hopes the years of hard work and dedication shine through in that instant. But it doesn’t always work out that way. To my fellow Wrigley’s Gum athlete – Denny Morrison – I feel for you and hope you will continue lacing up those skates because you do Canada proud. All our Athletes – on the podium or otherwise – do Canada proud.

On a happy note, David arrives back from Australia tomorrow!

Till Next Time,

Kelly

This picture says it all.

I’ve had the luxury of getting to spend lots of time with my family during their time here at the Games (my cousin Tara is behind the camera). This is us at the Medal Ceremony for Jon Montgomery.

The crowd went crazy for Jon!

Physio with Andree!

Peaks and Valleys - Canada feels them all

Two days ago I watched Cristrine Nesbitt win Gold in a gut wrenching close race where she pushed through the pain to win by 0.02hunnies. Then yesterday, seeing Jon Montgomery win Gold here in Whistler ignited Canada’s spirit all over again. These performances have been inspirational, exciting, and have awakened the Canadian Spirit in a Nation. Last night, all of Whistler was on fire and Robson Street in Vancouver was packed as Canadians flooded the streets with cheers. My favourite part was hearing the crowds spontaneously break out singing our National Anthem.

These moments make the hard days as an athlete feel worth the effort. Those kinds of highs are virtually unattainable in daily life – because you’re not alone on the sporting field. You are there with a piece of every Canadian (especially here at a home Olympics). However, there is the other side of the coin. Alpine’s team hasn’t come through with a medal; Denny Morrison (fellow C.H.E.W athlete) had one of his worst races in the 1000m; and Mellisa Hollingsworth fell short of the podium where she was favoured to win. All of these stories remind us of how often, in sport and in life, things don’t always work out as we hoped. Bug these athletes will continue to excel and push forward, they will continue to inspire as they get back up and to do it all over again. Denny Morrison is racing in the 1,500m later today - I look forward to watching him skate. I’m sure we’ll see his heart out there on the ice. I’m also certain our Alpine team will continue to excel on hills around the world and I look forward to watching the technical events later this week.

I’ve been watching the Canadian Athletic Spirit Awards online – some fun nominations. chewtowin.ca/spirit I have to say….some of those skeleton athletes just may have to win the best cheeks award ….and I’m not talking the smiling cheeks! J

As for me, I’m still enjoying my work with CTV. The learning curve has been steep but I’m starting to feel more comfortable in front of the camera. The people behind the scenes are such an amazing crew, it’s an honour to work with them.

During these games I’ve had some sad moments, usually during physio on the days of the races I thought I’d be competing in. I’m so proud of our girls though, going out there racing hard for a medal. I can feel their disappointment but I also hope they loved the experience. Everyone out here is just cheering our Red and White athletes on like crazy.

Till Next Time,

Kelly

Allison Forsyth (World Cup medalist and my former teammate) was on the show - so fun to catch up again!








Rob Boyd, Patrick Riml, and Heinzpeter Platter doing an interview with Jennifer Hedger.







Myself and Jennifer Hedger on set a few days ago.

Cowbells and Concerts - Day 4

Have I mentioned that I LOVE the Olympics!!!!!! I can’t get enough of the vibe and energy that’s everywhere here in Whistler. It’s a whirlwind that means there is no way to even know of every cool event that’s taking place…never mind attending them all. There are countless free concerts happening on the outdoor stages here and of course nonstop sporting action to keep you occupied. If that isn’t enough then you can check out the Alpine Canada House, the Swiss House, the Canada House, the Slovenian House, etc. etc. etc.

If one chooses to I’m sure you could go nonstop 24/7 and still miss much of the events that are taking place, and that’s just here in Whistler, Vancouver is on a whole other level again. Although I haven’t made it much outside of my 150metre radius which includes my hotel and the CTV stage, I did see my family for dinner last night and made it to the Canada House to meet Canada’s Governor General Michaelle Jean. It was an honour to meet her – an elegant, patient, and sweet lady.

I’m not sure if everyone caught the Men’s DH event yesterday but it was fun to watch with some big air and bumpy sections. But wow, what a race! I hear the Swiss House was on FIRE last night with celebrations. (Unfortunately, it being outside of my 150m radius I didn’t take part but I did hear lots about it…and the cowbells were heard throughout the Village).

I was checking out the Canadian Spirit Awards and who’s been nominated and voted for. It’s pretty funny some of the nominations and reasons why. I nominated Dixon for the Craziest Canuck category and Osborne-Paradise for the Enjoy Life award. Check it out and vote….we can’t have hockey players win all the awards! www.chewtowin.ca/spirit

I’m now settling into my role here and having a great time, learning lots. There are SO many ski racers around that it’s fun to catch up with some old friends and ex racers. Tonight I’ll be in Vancouver for the first official Party to celebrate Alexandre Bilodeau’s Gold. I’m looking forward to meeting him and getting to see firsthand what an Olympic Gold looks like.

Till next time,

Kelly





Thomas Grandi, John Kucera, Myself, and Max Gartner standing on set.






Emily Brydon, Shona Rubens, Georgia Simmerling and Myself at an event for Alpine Canada.





Alexandra Meissnitzer (the racer who beat me out for the Bronze in Torino) and I had dinner a few nights ago. We are both here working with TV throughout these Games.








The village is full of Canadian Pride!









Between sets I spend most of my time in my room doing my knee exercises while watching the Olympics.






Emily Brydon in the Village with her 3, yes I said 3, cell phones!!!! Atta girl Em! She’s looking great though and in such amazing spirits.







I had the honour of meeting Michaelle Jean, Canada’s Governor General, at a reception yesterday. It was nice to speak French with her and chat for about 10minutes.






This is where Johnny and I watched the Men’s Olympic Downhill. Not as glamorous or exciting as being on the hill, but still exciting to watch. Johnny and I were part of the coverage pre and post race.







Brian Stemmle, John Kucera, myself and Jennifer Hedger on Primetime last night.