When alpine skiers hit the slopes of Apex Mountain during the BC Winter Games in Penticton, Feb.26-28, nine will represent the Apex Ski Club.
From Zone 2 Thompson-Okanagan, ASC has Isaac Athans, Devin Blaser and Nicholas Tonogai of Kelowna, along with Heming Sola of Summerland and Penticton’s Peter De La Mothe on the boys side. For girls, there is Noa Rogers and Aubree Lawlor from Penticton, as well as Ana Large of Kelowna and alternate Amy Whitty.
“That’s quite a big group from Apex, which is really cool,” said ASC coach Jorgen Anderson.
All of them are in the U14 category and will compete in one GS and two slalom events. Anderson believes they will do well.
“I think that potentially there is a medal in the girls, possibly two medals in the guys, maybe three,” said Anderson. “They are pretty fast.”
The skiers all placed in the top 10 at a race in Sun Peaks in Kamloops to qualify.
“They are super excited because it’s at home,” said Anderson.
ASC alum in Norway
Reece Howden, a former Apex Ski Club member, captured gold in ski cross at the Youth Olympic Games in Lillehammer, Norway on Monday.
Howden hails from Chilliwack and swept his way to the big final. The Alpine Canada website reported that Howden was second out of the gate but quickly made up ground and led the majority of the heat. Howden’s medal was the second gold for Canada at the YOGs.
“Today was an awesome day,” said Howden in an Alpine Ski press release. “In the big final I was able to get out in front and was (able to) hold my line. I got bumped coming into the second last turn and but managed to get back on it and finish in first. It feels amazing to be the winner here! I’m actually a bit speechless right now. Today was the perfect day.”
Anderson said on Feb.12 he believed Howden could win a medal.
“This kid is an absolute beast. He is so strong,” said Anderson.
Howden’s brother Jesse was also a member of ASC, but is now with the Apex Freestyle Club.