I don't see many top kids that aren't working hard out this way. They all do and they LOVE and have a PASSION for the sport/training....that's why mom and dad (us included) fund the circus....seriously we always question what we do this for as just directing that money into a simple savings account would easily pay for multiple degrees at any Ivy league school when it is all said and done...and with better projected earning potential as well. However our daughter simply loves it and we are lucky enough to be able to commit the resources for her to pursue her love....journey is a blast and hopefully she can look back fondly on her experiences. There are kids that compete because mom and day push it....but those kids wash out quickly as it gets hard, gets real and is not worth the effort unless they love it.......those kids crumble when adversity strikes (and it always does in this sport) nevermind it being an absolutely brutal sport; timing doesn't lie and your result is posted for the world to see....nobody to hide behind or blame.
Alpine racing is an expensive sport (I've learned most things with "racing" in it aren't the cheapest endevours)....the need for time and resources isn't going to change anytime soon either. The reality is it still has to do with milage and getting alpine milage costs money. An entire ski day will comprise of what 20 runs if chairlift served? Athletes are really only "working/honing" their skills on the descent. So 8 hours later, 20 runs in you have what 40-60 mins of downhill time...even double it is only 2 hours of development. If you are lucky to have a surface lift, milage increases dramatically.....hence why the best racers tend to be developed with t-bars and poma lifts. If you were a runner, you put your shoes on and go....run for 2 hours...you literally got 2 hours of actual training in. Not so with skiing....hence why I think those that aren't physically gifted can will their way to good results but putting in the time. Of course, the athlete with physical gifts that does the same (and has resources to back them) will still have the advantage. There is a disposible income barrier that unfortunatly limits some talent from further pursuing and developing. Here in Canada it's not that the top athletes aren't deserving, but they do benefit from survivorship as some of their stronger competitors simply couldn't afford to keep going.
Yes, one doesn't need to go bonkers and one can still participate without doing summer training, camps, or paying extra for academies......but unfortunately those kids are simply participating (not saying it's a bad thing). But to be competative is a different conversation. On that end, parents putting piles of money in on the basis of developing a world champ are off their rocker....there is so much to be gained and learned on the journey. Frankly even being a crystal globe winner here in Canada would be a big downgrade to the lifestyle our daughter is accustomed to....we would love for her to achieve that (for her) but cringe on the prospect of bank of mom and dad still needing to be open for business if that happens.
Alpine racing is an expensive sport (I've learned most things with "racing" in it aren't the cheapest endevours)....the need for time and resources isn't going to change anytime soon either. The reality is it still has to do with milage and getting alpine milage costs money. An entire ski day will comprise of what 20 runs if chairlift served? Athletes are really only "working/honing" their skills on the descent. So 8 hours later, 20 runs in you have what 40-60 mins of downhill time...even double it is only 2 hours of development. If you are lucky to have a surface lift, milage increases dramatically.....hence why the best racers tend to be developed with t-bars and poma lifts. If you were a runner, you put your shoes on and go....run for 2 hours...you literally got 2 hours of actual training in. Not so with skiing....hence why I think those that aren't physically gifted can will their way to good results but putting in the time. Of course, the athlete with physical gifts that does the same (and has resources to back them) will still have the advantage. There is a disposible income barrier that unfortunatly limits some talent from further pursuing and developing. Here in Canada it's not that the top athletes aren't deserving, but they do benefit from survivorship as some of their stronger competitors simply couldn't afford to keep going.
Yes, one doesn't need to go bonkers and one can still participate without doing summer training, camps, or paying extra for academies......but unfortunately those kids are simply participating (not saying it's a bad thing). But to be competative is a different conversation. On that end, parents putting piles of money in on the basis of developing a world champ are off their rocker....there is so much to be gained and learned on the journey. Frankly even being a crystal globe winner here in Canada would be a big downgrade to the lifestyle our daughter is accustomed to....we would love for her to achieve that (for her) but cringe on the prospect of bank of mom and dad still needing to be open for business if that happens.
