I’m at the games in Vancouver…here is a little insight into my world!
OLYMPIC UPDATE #4 – I’M AN OLYMPIAN!
Hi guys!
Just a quick one for now, a full one once I’ve celebrated and rested! Read the rest of this entry »
Games Time!
Greetings to all. It’s official, I am in for Vancouver! Selections were made last week by the NZOC, and I have been selected to race the Super-G. Read the rest of this entry »
Servus von Österreich!
Finally time for me to send an update. Sorry for the long gap since the last one. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you. Hoping some of you have managed to squeak in some warm sun rays amongst what has been an average summer so far, so I’m told?
What’s been up?
This winter in Europe has been quite challenging. There have been unseasonably warm temperatures, and a lack of precipitation Read the rest of this entry »
Ready to Rock!
In my last update I was part way through the season and about to race the NZ Nationals and Australia & NZ Cup finals at Coronet Peak/Mount Hutt. After these races I had some great training both on and off snow, and the chance to catch up with many of you. Read on for springtime ski action and an overview of the Northern Winter to come! Read the rest of this entry »
We really are into the business end of the New Zealand winter now, and despite one little speed-bump everything is going well for me. Read on for some racing, some training, a broken hand and famous pink and purple casts!
Japanese FIS GS. Photo: Tague Thorson
At home analysing the results! Photo: Wayne Cafe
The day after I wrote the last update I went training Super-G on the Hurdle at Coronet, in flat light, very early in the morning. On my third run I hit a small bump before the jump halfway down the course, sending me off balance. Taking off on one foot, I flew a long way very off balance. I landed on one ski and managed to stay up, but my hand hit the snow for balance on landing. As I skied away I realised my hand was quite sore. I took off my glove and sure enough – a wonky metacarpal and some serious swelling. For the medically inclined, it was a spiral fracture of the second metacarpal with minor displacement. See the x-ray above for proof! Read the rest of this entry »
At Winter Fest with NZ Prime Minister Mr John Key
It’s great to be on my home hill again training with the NZ National Team. Coronet Peak is skiing better than ever and the race hill is looking superb for the upcoming competition season. My last update was in late April although I have seen many of you in person since then!
When I was last in touch with you I had just returned from my biggest winter in Europe and the 2009 World Championships. So it was quickly back to Otago University to a semester of third year Philosophy. This leaves me with only 2 minor papers to complete in order to achieve my educational goal; a second degree, this one a BA in Philosophy. Having only 7 weeks to catch up and complete the full semester’s work really taught me the meaning of ‘cramming’. Nevertheless, I wound up with an A and two Bs.
Back in Queenstown I was really put under the media spotlight as the first ever recipient of the locally based ‘Bruce Grant Trust Special Achiever Award’ (almost a tongue twister!). They joined forces with the Queenstown Winter Festival to host a fundraising breakfast on Coronet Peak. I was astounded with the success of the function which raised over $14,000 towards my skiing campaign. I owe enormous thanks not only those two organisations but to everyone who turned up in support and bought auction items. Also, thanks to the mayor of Queenstown, Clive Geddes who has further donated the proceeds of sale of a hand painted Quicksilver snowboard to the cause.
The highlight of Festival week for me was having the opportunity to meet the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Mr John Key who was in Queenstown to open the festival. I found him an impressive man indeed with a great vision for New Zealand particularly the tourism industry. He also announced a further $500,000 contribution towards the upcoming Winter Games (and tossed in 2 bottles of signed wine for my auction!). Great news for all winter athletes.
I am once again training under National Team coach, Nils Coberger. With team mate and Alpine Skier of the Year, Ben Griffin we have formed a tight training unit. As it has been one of the best seasons ever we have had some terrific training both at Coronet and Mt Hutt. I feel I’m skiing very well and looking forward to competing against some of the best in the world at the Winter Games, including Olympic Gold medallist Ted Ligety (USA) and current World Downhill Champion, John Kucera of Canada. You can view some of my training videos on You Tube:
Slalom I http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBcrFvgh36U
Slalom II http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGmd6i5hgpo
GS http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgvYC0IAzqw
Super-G http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzuG_wKcdTs
For the record, my website address is www.timcafe.co.nz - call in sometime
I look forward to seeing you all on the slopes or wherever.
Tim
