AST Athlete Journal: Graeme Cliff

Hey everyone, it’s Graeme. Checking in for my final athlete journal of the season.

It’s been an unreal season to say the least, with some of the coolest and most unforgettable experiences. Coming onto the team this year, I didn’t really know what to expect and didn’t have too many expectations heading into the NORAM circuit. I ended up having some success in the speed events (Super-G and Downhill), with a few top 20 results and finishing 21st in the downhill overall standings. It has been an amazing but also a really eye-opening experience to race against some of the best skiers not just in North America, but in the world. The level of racing is super high, and it really shows you just how many levels there are to our sport. Writing this from Canadian Nationals in Panorama, it’s been tough to carry momentum from NORAMs into these races. I’ve had a couple DNFs and we’ve had to deal with some tricky conditions, especially in the tech races later in the week. This series has been a really good reminder of how many different aspects there are to the sport, not just the racing itself. The mental side, the physical side, recovery and staying focused, it’s all part of the long journey we’re on.

As the season starts to wind down, it becomes even more important to stay focused and disciplined with everything from adequate rest to making sure our ski equipment is in perfect shape. The warmer weather and softer snow can often make conditions less favorable, which makes it even more important to be just as in it as you were at the start of the season. It’s easy to feel the fatigue at this point in the year, especially after the full race schedule of the NORAM circuit across the country to FIS races on home snow. Mentally, it’s been easy to get frustrated with results, certain races not going the way you would have wanted them to. Throughout the season I’ve had times where I was super frustrated with a result, but even when those results hadn’t gone the way I wanted, I’ve been trying to move on quickly and stay focused on what’s ahead. That mindset has helped me push through the tougher parts of the season and make the most of the opportunities in front of me.

Looking ahead to the final races at Nakiska and Sun Peaks, the goal is to finish the season strong and take advantage of every race start I have left. These races are still a great opportunity to put everything together and put down some great results. Staying focused and keeping my body in the shape it needs to be will be the key to success in these final races of the season. This first year on the Alberta Ski Team has been an unforgettable experience, from our first preseason camps in Saas-Fee, Switzerland and Hintertux, Austria to the NORAMs out east in Whiteface, NY and Mont Tremblant, Quebec. This season has brought me to places I never knew were possible, and I’m really grateful to everyone who has been a part of supporting our team this season. You guys make all the difference. I’m motivated as ever to push myself to the limit and finish the season strong.

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

Thank you!