Josh Brown
Josh Brown and Seb Gray – in the snow
C ollege skiers Josh Brown and Seb Gray have been carving up the international slopes, competing in Canada and France as members of the New Zealand youth squad. For Josh, navigating “unique terrain and really challenging courses” in the Whistler Cup in British Columbia has been a brilliant experience. With 380 competitors from more than 20 countries, the Whistler Cup – North America’s only international event for younger racers – features many of the world's most promising skiers. “The Whistler Cup is the North American International Youth FIS (Federation Internationale de Ski) Alpine Ski race, with countries such as the United States, Canada, Japan, Chile, Argentina – and New Zealand – sending their best youth ski racers to compete in three disciplines – super-G,
giant slalom, and slalom – over four days,” Josh explains. “My best placing was 39th out of a field of 85 in the slalom event. I was proud of my performance as I had not been on skis since the end of the New Zealand winter season last year, and flew out to compete the day after finishing rowing at the Maadi Regatta. I had just eight training days with the Whistler Mountain Ski Club team prior to the event.” The club founded the Whistler Cup, a world-class event with strong international competition for alpine ski racers. “On the fourth day of competition, I took part in the team dual slalom race, where athletes competed against each other in a timed elimination relay over a slalom course. This event is a regular feature at Canadian and American ski racing events, and the Canadians had an impressive
squad of ski racers, securing the fastest time and taking the title.” However, a personal highlight “was the Parade of Nations, where we all walked through Whistler Village with our national flags”, led by a local high school band. “It has certainly been one of the best times of my life.” While Josh headed to North America, fellow College skier Seb Gray travelled to Europe. “I travelled to Andermatt, a village in the Swiss Alps, to train with the other members of the New Zealand youth squad in preparation for the Val d'Isère final event of the youth international FIS series in the French Alps,” Seb says.
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