First things first, I'd just like to wish everyone a "Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year."
I'm aware that this year has been so very difficult but I think 2022 will be brighter and better for all of us. I'd also like to quickly share with you some of my experiences of 2021.
The image above identifies that I have recently made some significant progress and have stepped onto the the top step of the podium! A big smile and a moment of happiness, not for the result, not for the PB, but for the endless hours of hard work me and my amazing team had put in realise this achievement.
I believe this summers preparations have been crucial to the improvements I have made which are now bearing fruit during this winter season. Having initially started the early winter training on the glaciers in Austria and then progressing onto the resort training slopes this has provide me with a great volume of training before the seasons races kicked off.
Prior to Christmas I completed an intensive five week European training block which included several races. I kicked off my race season in Livigno, Italy where I competed in slalom races and then moved onto Austria where I competed in Downhill & SG competitions respectively. I try to start every race with a clear head and know the objectives which I need to follow in order to execute my run effectively. Although this isn't always easy to achieve I know to keep my head held high and make sure I rise to the challenge whenever I am given another opportunity.
Sure enough my next opportunity arises in Santa Caterina, Italy. Having put down a nice first run I found myself in second place just a few tenths of a second behind the leader. Knowing I needed to go faster on my second run I pushed to the limits and managed to come through to take the win by nine tenths of a second. A massive sense of relief and satisfaction hit me in knowing that I had successfully executed the race plan, ...........MY FIRST FIS WIN!
I am now hungrier than ever to move forward to continue the hard work and draw upon the experiences I have learnt from.
I'd like to thank everyone who has been by my side through the highs and lows on this journey so far, this is just another stepping stone along the way to something amazing.
THIS ONE IS FOR YOU!
Best Wishes, ROB HOLMES