Adaptive Alpine Camp Wraps at Hood

MT. HOOD, OR (July 1) - Despite bad weather and low snow pack, the U.S. Ski Team's adaptive alpine athletes were energized by a successful camp at Mt. Hood. Focusing on giant slalom speed training, the coaches and athletes worked hard and are looking forward to the upcoming Olympic season.

"We went above and beyond what we wanted to accomplish and got in some really good training," said Adaptive Alpine Head Coach Ray Watkins. "It was tough at the beginning, but we worked with it and it ended up being a very productive camp. Even though the snow pack wasn't as good as last year, Timberline did everything they could to make it work and set up two really good separate speed programs."

Concentrating on speed, start, and tuck training, the athletes adjusted to the conditions and greatly benefited from the technological resources at the camp.

Adaptive alpine skier Ralph Green (Brooklyn, NY) appreciated the videos and photos they have incorporated into their training program.

"We learn a lot from videos and still photos, it captures the moment and we're incorporating that into our daily team meetings," said Green. "Also, our coaches are taking advantage of Dartfish, so we can closely analyze our form and our technique."

During the camp, athletes tried out new equipment and worked on tactics and mechanics.

"Every single athlete here has made some type of improvement in their skiing, and this is the time to do it, in these camps," said Green.

Not only was the camp a time for strength and technical development, it was also inspiring for the athletes, the coaching staff, and the younger skiers training alongside them.

"It's something for the kids to be training next to elite athletes. It's a reality check that these kids look up to you, that you're a leader, that you're representing your nation, and being an example for these young athletes," Green said.

The camp was characterized by positive energy as the team elected a new captain, George Sansonetis (Fraser, CO) to lead them into an important Olympic season. The athletes were thrilled at the progress they made, their hard work resulting in a really productive two weeks.

On his personal experience at the camp, Green said, "Overall I improved a lot; I want to be fully prepared for Vancouver. I want to race better than I train, and I'm setting a bar for myself here. I think everyone is going to carry this energy into the next camp."

Pleased with the camp's outcome despite its challenges, Watkins looks forward to the months to come. "We had some lemons at the start and made some lemonade." At the sight of these athletes cruising down the hill at 60-65mph, "coaches' jaws were dropping. It was awe-inspiring. The staff is excited about the breakthroughs and the athletes echo that as well," said Watkins.

The adaptive alpine athletes will have some time off for the 4th of July before they delve into slalom and giant slalom tech training back at Mt. Hood on July 17.

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