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Grief and greatness mark historic year in sports
Loss of athletes overshadows record accomplishments by national teams
by Andrew Mitchell
Page 8 of 10
Locals were a factor in many events, especially in the junior categories where 15-year-old Jack Iles won the title of Prince of Crankworx after winning his age group in every event he entered — the Garbanzo Downhill, the Air Downhill, the Giant Dual Slalom and the Jeep Canadian Open Downhill. Other locals to reach the pro podium include: Katrina Strand, winner of the Pro Women in the Canadian Open Enduro; Chris Kovarik, third in the Garbanzo DH; Claire Buchar, third in the Garbanzo DH, third in the Air DH and second in the Canadian Open.
• Several Whistler athletes took part in the BC Cup series this year, many going on to win overall titles. In cross-country, Whistler's Jesse Melamed placed first overall with 905 points, over 215 more than the next racer in the Junior Men 17-18 age group. Lauren Rosser and Kristin Drygas of Team Squamish were first and second in Junior Women 15-18, with Rosser also claiming the provincial title in downhill. Also in downhill, Jamie Hill of Pemberton ranked first in Senior Women 19 to 29, while Xander Geddes and Jack Iles were third and fourth in Under 15 Men after attending a handful of events.
All events, all the time
It was around the time of the first Whistler GranFondo, way back in 2010, that Whistler really started to embrace the idea of becoming a premier host of sports events beyond the World Ski and Snowboard Festival and Crankworx. Events were filling hotel rooms and restaurants at a time when tourism in general is struggling as an industry, while the resort leveraged its experiences from the Olympics to showcase the community at its very best.
On the events front, there was lots to report this year, but here are the biggest stories:
Ironman coming to Whistler
After 30 years, the organizers of Ironman Canada parted ways with the City of Penticton and it became public knowledge before the race took place that organizers were looking for a new home for the event — and Whistler was rumoured to be one of the communities in the running to host the event. Things became more official in September when the bidding process to host the event for five years starting in 2013 got underway. Whistler was shortlisted and by the second week of October the event was confirmed for the community with registration opening on Oct. 18.
Despite the fact that the race — taking place on Aug. 25, 2013 — was in competition with another long distance triathlon called Challenge Penticton, it sold out quickly. The list of registered athletes includes 18 athletes from Sea to Sky, eager to compete in their own backyard.
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June 17, 2013, 5:00 PM
Whistler Blackcomb Foundation donates $300,000 to Centrepoint complex
Social services, church and housing being built by Sea to Sky Community Service and United Church More...
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June 17, 2013, 11:15 AM
Whistler Farmer's Market sees busy first day of operations
Market opens with vendor numbers at maximum More...
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June 16, 2013, 12:30 AM
Neal Kindree takes Test of Metal win
67-kilometre mountain bike race sees 871 racers at the start More...
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