AST Athlete Journal: Gavin Johnson

Hey everyone, Gavin Johnson here with my final journal of the season.

We’ve all just returned from Aspen, where we were competing in the NorAm Finals. I was there for both the speed and tech events, facing conditions unlike any race I have ever experienced. It was 20-plus degrees every day, creating an environment that made it hard to recognize that we were there to ski down a mountain. However, the conditions managed to hold up surprisingly well during the speed portion of our series, providing us with an opportunity to challenge the top 30. Unfortunately, I was unable to seize the moment, and the top 30s eluded me. Entering the tech half of the Norams, I was hungry for redemption following my poor performance in speed. But the 20-plus degree days had caught up with the mountain. I distinctly remember being at the top of the course and overhearing the U.S team radio say. “God praise anyone who manages to make it down.” Starting near the back of the pack, I am used to difficult positions, but the last few days made every other “bad course” experience seem like a walk in the park. I battled through the ruts as hard as I could, but each day the mountain beat me. However, I am grateful to have experienced these conditions, grateful for my growth in both mental and physical toughness. I will forget a lot of races during my time as a ski racer, Aspen 2026 will not be one of them.

I want to circle back to my comment on mental toughness. In reality, it was not just Aspen that strengthened these characteristics, but my entire NorAm experience. This was my first time following the Noram circuit. Entering the season my expectations for Noram starts were low but nonetheless after each race I couldn’t help but feel discouraged. It felt and still feels like those top 30 finishes, especially in tech, are still far from my reach. This year, I was unable to get a single top 30 finish, and in many ways, this feels like a failure. However, as I have had time to reflect after finals, I have decided to embody a new perspective. I have only failed if I allow myself to view the Noram season as a failure. Sure, I did not score any points, sure I was beat down by DNFs and missed second runs. But these numerical stats don’t define my Noram experience. I have gained a deeper understanding of what it takes to perform at these races. I have increased my toughness through every race. I am hungry to fight through the Noram circuit next year with a greater sense of experience and continue my climb to the top 30.

I am writing this entry in my house in Invermere as we are resting before Canada National Champs and the last push through the final fis races of the season. Nationals is at my home club of Panorama, which is a refreshing break from the traveling and a home-field advantage I am dying to take advantage of. Entering this final push, I am looking to perform my best at these races. Taking everything I have learned from this season and trying to piece it all together to continue to knock down my fis points. It has been an amazing season and an honor to be a part of the Alberta Ski team. I am grateful for every experience and look forward to what the future holds.

Thank you to our sponsors, the GMC dealers of Alberta, Mountain Fire Foods, Genstar Alberta, Karbon Sports, Inspired Go, and Gear Up Mountain Sports. Your support helps make everything possible.

​Thank you!
Gavin