KIMBERLEY, B.C. — The Adaptive Sports Foundation (ASF) Para-Athletes Team of Cecile Brown, Logan Knowles, Brad Lang and Victoria Whiteley competed against some of the top para-alpine skiers in North America at the Canadian and U.S. National Championships, held March 23-27 at Kimberley Alpine Resort.
Several competitors at the event were coming off appearances at the Paralympic Games in Italy, providing ASF athletes with the opportunity to race alongside elite international talent.
“For me, I really look up to Tyler Mackenzie and Blake Eaton, who just came back from the biggest spectacle in para-alpine skiing, the Paralympics,” Knowles said. “We’ve been friends forever, and it means a lot to see them qualify. I’m in a period of my career where I haven’t met my goals yet, so competing against them pushes me to catch up to them.”
The ASF athletes, accompanied by coaches Russ Funk and Rich Bolog, competed in three disciplines: downhill, super-G and giant slalom. Weather and snow conditions forced organizers to rearrange the schedule and unfortunately cancel the slalom event.
Competition began Tuesday, March 24, with the downhill, marking the first time all four ASF athletes competed in the discipline.
“It was very interesting competing in downhill for the first time,” Whiteley said. “I’m glad I tried it, and I definitely recommend up-and-coming racers try it, even if they’re scared.”
“At first I was really scared of downhill, but after doing it, I loved it,” Brown said.
Each racer completed one run. Brown placed fourth in her category with a time of 1:37.73 seconds. Lang also secured a fourth-place finish in the men’s sit-ski division with a time of 1:33.93, while Knowles finished sixth in the men’s standing division with a time of 1:39.43.
The following day, the team competed in the super-G. Brown and Whiteley placed fourth and fifth, respectively, in the women’s standing division. Brown narrowly missed the podium by 1.5 seconds, finishing in 1:37.81, while Whiteley posted a time of 1:47.71. In the men’s sit-ski division, Lang finished fourth with a time of 1:36.58.
Knowles recorded a did not finish (DNF) in his first super-G run after a hard fall but rebounded to complete his second run.
“I took a hard fall, but I’m proud that I could recollect myself and finish my second run,” he said.
The final event of the week, giant slalom, took place Friday, March 27. Brown and Whiteley again finished fourth and fifth, respectively, in the women’s standing division. Brown posted a combined time of 2:50.02, while Whiteley finished her runs in 2:55.36.
Knowles placed eighth in the men’s standing division with a total time of 2:53.77. In the men’s sit-ski division, Lang finished sixth with a combined time of 2:34.97.
The national championships marked the final competition of the season for the ASF para-athletes, who competed at events across both coasts of the United States throughout the winter. All four athletes continue to build toward future goals as they develop their skills and gain experience at the national and international levels.
About the Adaptive Sports Foundation
For more than 40 years, the Adaptive Sports Foundation has provided sports and recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The organization offers year-round programming from its slope-side lodge, the Gwen Allard Adaptive Sports Center.
The Adaptive Sports Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides life-changing experiences for children and adults with physical and cognitive disabilities and chronic illnesses through outdoor physical activity, education, support and community. For more information, visit www.adaptivesportsfoundation.org