The Australian Children’s Squad recently competed in the Whistler Cup at Whistler on Canada’s beautiful west coast. The prestigious event (now in its 16th year) features the top 11 to 14 year old athletes from 17 countries including Austria, Italy, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Canada, USA, New Zealand, Japan and Korea. The event is top notch from the parade and opening ceremonies to the banquets and the race venues. It is amazing to watch the competitiveness, focus, determination and skill of these young athletes. I believe that every participant has left this event having learned a tremendous amount about themselves and the sport. They should all be proud of their accomplishments and will enter the off season with a great amount of determination, focus and motivation for next year.
Our ability to measure our developing talent against that of the world’s best at this level is critical; the Whistler Cup is a valuable benchmarking tool for our system. Australia finished 10th overall and 6th in the K2 teams’ competition. A best ever finish with Elyse Timoshenko achieving the best result of 7th in the K2 SL.
The Australian squad for this event was comprised of 14 athletes (4 K1’s and 10 K2’s) from the Mount Buller Race Club (MBRC), Mount Hotham Racing Squad (MHRS), Thredbo Ski Racing Club (TSRC), Perisher Winter Sports Club (PWSC) and Haylebury Academy. This is the largest Australian squad ever fielded in an international children’s event; a testament to the work ethic and enthusiasm of the athletes as well as the commitment of the families.
| K1 Summary |
Kombi |
Giant Slalom |
Slalom |
| Emily Farrall | MHRS (K1) |
DNF |
42nd |
29th |
| Hannah Sugerman | PWSC (K1) |
31st |
41st |
39th |
| James Campbell | TSRC (K1) |
51st |
45th |
41st |
| Adam Podgorski | TSRC (K1) |
29th |
34th |
18th |
| K1 Summary |
Kombi |
Giant Slalom |
Slalom |
| Elyse Timoshenko | Haylebury(K2) |
31st |
7th |
13th |
| Djoeke Hoedemaker | MHRS (K2) |
38th |
35th |
23rd |
| Toni Hodkinson | TSRC (K2) |
33rd |
15th |
58th |
| Sam Biilmann | PWSC (K2) |
84th |
43rd |
51st |
| Alexandra Banks | PWSC (K2) |
75th |
54th |
65th |
| Jackson Coull | MBRC (K2) |
30th |
17th |
34th |
| Adam Brown | MBRC (K2) |
67th |
DNF 1 |
64th |
| Tom Lewis | TSRC (K2) |
68th |
DNF 1 |
68th |
| Alex Podgorski | TSRC (K2)/td>
| 57th |
29th |
44th |
| Nick Payne | TSRC (K2) |
89th |
DNF 1 |
64th |
Visit photo gallery for snapshots of the event;
Visit Whistler Cup for more photos, results & dates for 2009.
Congratulations to all on a job well done and exceptional teamwork throughout the event...we’re looking forward to a fast southern winter for all.
Thank you's...
- to Carolyn Parry, Team Captain for the countless hours involved in organizing the logistics for an event of this nature
- to the Whistler Mountain Ski Club for once again hosting an incredible event
- to Craig & Brady of the Whistler Mountain Ski Club coaching staff for their support throughout the event
- to the attending parents for their support and enthusiasm
- & last, but certainly not least to the athletes for exceptional teamwork and winning efforts
Footnote: Whistler Cup was an exceptional event not only for Australian athletes but also for the fact that not only did our coaches engender a wonderful team spirit but all team coaches represented Australia on the world stage; Luc Pelletier – Referee K2 SL, Brady Holliday – Referee K1 SL, Craig Glenday - Course Setter K2 GS, Jeff Books – Course Setter K1 SL.
Carolyn Parry
Team Captain
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