Well, well, It is with great disappointment to announce that I will not be competing at the Sochi Olympics next month.
The last few weeks have been a crazy period with endless driving, training and racing. FIS did manage to reschedule 2 of the 4 cancelled races back to Val Thorens, France. I am very proud to have created history and be the first kiwi male to qualify for the knock-out finals in a Ski Cross World Cup. Training went really well and I posted some super fast times, showing just how far I have come in the last year. In the knockout stage I was lined up against numerous past world cup winners. I had an awesome start and was out in front, however, I soon got tangled up with a Canadian, jumping into the back of me in mid-air. I held onto 2nd place for 3/4 of the track but a small mistake cost me, I ended up in 4th and did not advance further.
I am on the right, in yellow bib. – Photo GEPA
Tangled up! -Photo GEPA
Finish arena. -Photo FIS Freestyle
It was just too little too late to make my Olympic dream, missing the Ski Cross qualifying criteria. Ski Cross can only send 32 athletes to the games. Be sure you watch it during the Olympics!
It has been a crazy journey for me, and one I am extremely proud of. There is no doubt it is hard being a solo athlete competing against all the large European and North American teams with endless support staff, team budgets and and awesome Audi’s 😉
Losing 2 qualifying races due to cancellations did not help my campaign to qualify and looking back I wish I had made the change to SX earlier.
The huge final jump.
For now it is time to regroup, I will race the next World Cup in Kreischberg, Austria this weekend and then some Europa Cup races and FIS races, before heading home and hopefully finishing my University degree in June!
HUGE! thanks to everyone that has supported me in the last few years in all the different ways; sponsors, coaches, team mates, family, and everyone else. Also all the supporting messages the last few weeks, it all means so much to me and I appreciate it enormously.
Special thanks to World Ski Connection for providing me with an amazing base to stay at between my travels.
I look forward to continuing my progress. Next goal a top 10!
World Ski Connections new Robot Wax machine making my HEAD Skis even faster!
Wonderful effort Jamie. Awesome!
Awesome effort Jamie. I felt tired just reading your goings on. All the best for the rest of the Season and I look forward to seeing you back in NZ