Race Season 2012, by Karen Gardner (volunteer and mom of BC Ski Team athlete Emma King)
We’re all home, recovering from an amazing ski race season 11/12. I once again had the pleasure of being at the Spring Series to cook and work on the races with the BCST ladies. The spring series is always bitter-sweet as the season wraps up. Everyone is tired but the sun shines and we all get a bit energized. For some of the athletes, it’s the end of their ski racing careers.
What is apparent to me is the fantastic bonding that takes place with the athletes. They compete for about a minute, sometimes twice a day and then it’s all about friendships. After the awards, there’s lots of hugging and promises to keep in touch over the summer and the future. We often say that we will stay in touch but these girls and guys really do! The friendships are life-long, as are the skills these young people take home with them.
The friendships go beyond the athletes as well. I have met so many lovely people in the 6 years I’ve been involved in this crazy sport and every year, the list gets longer. If you are a parent who hasn’t been involved, it’s not too late. Come and join the family of volunteers. I promise that you will get more out of it than you give.
As for the young ladies on the BCST, I want to thank you for a great season. It’s been an absolute pleasure to be available to cook for you and get to know each one of you. Whether or not ski racing ends up being your profession or you move on, you are all winners and I look forward to seeing how your lives all play out. Meanwhile, I hope to be back next year to cook your favourite meal and be a part of the comings and goings.
Have a great summer, get stronger and faster and I’ll see you on the hill!
Karen Gardner
(gatekeeper, cook and mom)
p.s. sorry if I disqualified you….it’s nothing personal….perhaps I’ll go into timing next season!