Nancy O'Neill, BC Women's Coach, checks in from Lake Louise | BC Alpine Ski Association



The first downhill race of the season is officially under the belts of 8 BC female athletes.

Coach Nancy O'Neill reports that all of the girls made significant progress with each run on the Lake Louise course. “All of the girls from the BCST (Poleschuk, Leighton, and Robson) and the Clubs (Whitney, Skyrabina, Nixon, Kidston, Graham) have done an excellent job this week. There is a mix of experience here and everyone is learning.”

O'Neill is emphasizing experience and learning to the newest members of the BCST and to Jenni Graham from Mt Washington. “These four athletes are here to train for the future. All four will come into this event next season with much more confidence, and in speed, confidence is everything. I am extremely pleased with the progress they are making run by run.”

“It is very good to see athletes like Charlotte Whitney and Megan Kidston becoming competitive. These two girls have definitely stepped it up here.” O'Neill also noted that “Rachel Nixon (Vancouver Ski Team) and Anastasia Skryabina (Whistler Mountain Ski Club) are looking much stronger on the Lake Louise track this year, building on their experience from last season.”

Veteran BCST member Danielle Poleschuk is returning to fine form after her summer training injury. “Danielle is a talent”, stated O'Neill “It is only a matter of time before she returns to top form. Danie has worked very hard over the summer and her skiing is coming back on track. We are very pleased with her efforts here in Lake Louise.”

The girls will race again tomorrow, then head to Panorama for technical races.