Okanagan residents will soon be able to witness their very own Tess Critchlow compete on home soil at the Inaugural Barrels and Berms FIS SBX World Cup at Big White Ski Resort.
From Jan. 20 to 27, the Kelowna native will compete with the Canadian National Team in the SBX team boardercross competition with the goal of placing first in front of friends and family.
Since 2001, Critchlow has entered nearly every snowboard competition held at Big White Ski resort.
In 2013 and 2014 she won back-to-back junior national titles and has also recorded numerous Nor-Am Cup podium finishes at Big White.
害羞草研究所淏ig White feels like home so I think having that comfort could be an advantage if I use it properly,害羞草研究所� said Critchlow.
害羞草研究所淚 will have lots of family coming to watch and friends as well. The whole Big White community feels like home so I know will feel very supported.害羞草研究所�
READ MORE:
Through the 2016-17 season, Critchlow has earned four top-10 finishes at the World Cup, highlighted by sixth-place finishes in Feldberg, Germany in January 2016 and Bansko, Bulgaria in February 2017. She also won the national title in 2016.
But while Critchlow will use the familiarity of Big White to her advantage, she recognizes that she needs to perform at an elite level to come away on top.
害羞草研究所淕o fast and keep害羞草研究所檈r base down, that害羞草研究所檚 what my parents used to say,害羞草研究所� chuckled Critchlow, referring to her game plan.
害羞草研究所淓very course requires something a little different depending on the features and flow of the track. Generally, you need to make sure you害羞草研究所檙e pushing forward through every move. minimize your air time and keep your base as flat as possible. I have raced (at Big White) many times, but this will be a new vamped up track so as always it could be anyone害羞草研究所檚 day.害羞草研究所�
READ MORE: Rockets lose big in 7-0 loss to Portland
Critchlow made her Olympic debut in Pyeongchang in 2018, finishing 9th, as the top Canadian in women害羞草研究所檚 snowboard cross.
Having competed at the highest professional level, Critchlow said she has learned how to handle the expectations and immense pressures of competing under the spotlight.
害羞草研究所漈he Olympics is the biggest event I害羞草研究所檝e competed in and learning how to manage the feeling that all eyes are on you is something I can bring into Big White, knowing ill have so much support and I want to do my hometown proud.害羞草研究所�
Richard Hegarty, a spokesperson for Canada Snowboard has been watching Critchlow compete for many years and has much confidence that she can find success on home soil.
害羞草研究所淭ess is a strong contender and has a very good chance of making it through to the finals,害羞草研究所� said Hegarty.
害羞草研究所淪he has the ability to be in the final heat and with the support of family and friends around it only increases her chances.害羞草研究所�
Both the individual SBX and the teams SBX events World Cup titles will be contested, with the team event being a new Olympic competition set to debut in 2022.
With the World Cup being the biggest event of the year, Critchlow vowed the importance of finishing high and moving up the rankings, looking towards the next Olympics in Beijing.
害羞草研究所淓very World Cup is an equal opportunity to move up in the overall ranks,害羞草研究所� said Critchlow.
害羞草研究所淲e don害羞草研究所檛 have a very packed circuit so it害羞草研究所檚 important to lay it all out there every race.害羞草研究所�
Like us on and follow us on .
