Feature Stories
In Their Words: Davey Barr
Feb 27, 2008
Whistler’s Davey Barr, a Canadian national team ski cross athlete, began racing in 2002. Initially, he entered local competitions in British Columbia, and as his skills advanced, Barr began travelling to the United States in search of international competition. Among his top accomplishments, Barr won the United States ski cross championships in 2004 and again in 2006. More recently, this February he won a gold medal at the World Cup race in Deer Valley, Utah — the first-ever FIS World Cup ski cross event held in North America.
On Home Turf by Davey Barr
I got into ski cross because I really like the head-to-head action it offers. You never know who is going to win on any given day.
When I heard that ski cross was being inducted into the 2010 Winter Olympic Games as a full-medal sport, I considered it a huge opportunity to showcase the sport in front of the whole world. Not only do I see it as a chance to compete on home turf, but I am also going to be part of history. This has really given me a huge focus in my life.
I think the worldwide audience will be hooked when they see what the action-packed sport of ski cross is all about. It's a very spectator-friendly sport.
Here’s what happens: once the fastest 32 racers have been selected from an individual timed run on the course, they are seeded into heats of 4 according to their times. After that, it is just straightforward racing. The fastest two racers in every heat advance into the next round. To make it to the finals you must make it through the initial rounds of 32, then 16, then 8. Only then can you secure your place in the final heat. No matter how you ranked getting there, your place in the final round is your final result. It comes down to skill, split-second strategizing, confidence and a little bit of luck.
At the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, I can’t wait to show the world what this sport is about, and what the Canadians are made of!
In Their Words Series
In Their Words is a celebration of the two-year countdown to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. This 17-part series is comprised of personal stories written by Olympians and leaders with a passion for the Games. Visit vancouver2010.com every day from February 12 to 28 for a fresh story of inspiration, triumph and hope.
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In Their Words: Tewanee Joseph
© 2009 The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games
Olympic and Paralympic Games photography © Getty Images, unless otherwise stated.
