AST Athlete Journal: Cole Merrett
What’s up, everyone! My name is Cole Merrett, and this is my first year skiing on the Provincial Team! Like a handful of other athletes on the team, I come from the Team Panorama ski club, having started there in U8 until being selected for the provincial team. The community, through the Panorama ski club, has provided endless support and guidance throughout my career, leading me to where I am today. It revealed to me my passion for the sport and the reasons why I love it so much.
And just like that, it’s already January. With travelling throughout Europe and Canada, it’s clear that this season is flying by. As I am writing this journal, our team just wrapped up a hard-fought battle in Quebec for the NORAM’s in Mont Tremblant and Saint Sauveur. Although the outcome was far from perfect, I learned so much through the exposure of being surrounded by the top skiers in North America and the world. As many ski racers know, the NORAM’s are some of the hardest races due to the magnitude of world-class athletes competing amongst each other. Even with having somewhat solid FIS points, we all were within the 80’s-100’s bibs, which makes it a challenge to punch through, though not impossible. We all have the skills needed to do what it takes but need to push the limits even harder to start chasing NORAM points. Ultimately, NORAM’s are a game that needs to be played, as even when you’re faced with failure, it’s most important to keep pushing through. It’s in moments like these that we learn from our mistakes and discover ways to better ourselves, rather than giving up. While this mindset is essential in sport, it’s also a crucial life skill. The ability to learn from failure is a key to success in any situation, which is why I love this sport so much
When I’m not skiing on the slopes, you’ll find me doing school, as I am one of two athletes on the team who is still in high school. I am currently in grade twelve attending the National Sport School at Winsport. While skiing is something incredibly important to me, academics are my priority. Being a competitive athlete, the drive I have in sport carries over into my education; I always want to be the best at whatever I do. NSS is a school designed to support student athletes like myself who are chasing the dream in their athletics while graduating high school. The teachers are incredibly supportive of you and do whatever it takes to help you succeed. Whether that is staying late after school or answering my emails when I’m on the hill, they’ll do it. Balancing school with competing on the provincial team is a big challenge, but one I’m happy to face. With typical training of 25-30 hours a week, it takes away a lot of in-person school. This year I will be absent upwards of 80 days of school, meaning most of my learning happens on van trips, in ski lodges, or after training. Through skiing, I’ve learned how to manage my time, learn independently, and plan my schedule around my academics. Although there are sacrifices that come with this lifestyle, it’s all worth it when you get to travel the world and compete alongside your best friends, doing what I love most.
As we head back home to gear up for the Nakiska GMC Cup Races, I’m excited to put my learnings from the NORAMs into action. Being hungrier than ever, I’m eager to get back to some local races and get ready for the rest of the season! As always, none of this would be possible without our fantastic team sponsors who allow us to chase our dreams. I want to thank GMC Dealers of Alberta, Genstar, InspiredGo, Mountain Fire Foods, Silvertip Resort, Karbon, and GearUp Mountain Sports. And most importantly, I’d like to thank my parents for always believing in me. None of this would be possible without your help!
Cole Merrett
