At NASTAR Nationals, I still didn’t reach my goal of
a top-three finish, but I improved my handicap four
points over last year and met a great cross section
of racers.
Two younger racers have a post-race recap.
Karolina Zawodnik is originally from Poland and lives in Brooklyn. She caught my attention in the Gold/Platinum start area when she politely asked race organizers to be moved up
in line to make her next race. Not only did she race in the female gold division on skis, she
also turned around and competed in the snowboard division directly afterwards.
Ray Heid was born and raised in Steamboat,
Colo., and skiing was part of his primary school
curriculum. “We got grades on our report card for
downhill, jumping, slalom and cross country,” he
said, “the only four A’s I made all the way through
school.” He competed in the very first NASTAR
Nationals in 1968. Now a telemarker, Ray pulled
off a three-peat this year, taking his third Race of
Champions title in the non-alpine division.
In addition to being a
top contender in the 75–
79 age class, Thompson Tate of Silverthorne,
Colo., is also a gentleman. He loaned me his
bib so I could compete
a second day after I left
mine over at Copper.
He’s been No. 1 in his
age group in Colorado
several years in a row
and competed in his
fourth NASTAR Nationals this year.
JAKE BRIGH T; BOO CREATIVE
SkiRacing.com APRIL 7, 2011 | 46
