BY SCOTT HUNTER HADDOW
When Jeff Dickson, who skis for the Canadian
Disabled Alpine Ski Team, crashed in four of his first six
races this season, he did what he has always done - persevered
and kept going for the gold.
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Jeff Dickson is tearing up the
slopes again as he prepares for the 2006 Paralympic
Games in Turin, Italty. |
Recently, Dickson started his long journey of
adding more precious medals to his already impressive showcase
by winning gold in two slalom and two giant slalom events at
the Ontario Disabled Skiing Championships in Beaver
Valley.
For Dickson, just being on the hills
competing is its own reward, and he relishes the fact he gets
to represent Canada on the World Cup circuit and at
the 2006 Paralympic Winter Games in
Italy.
"I am a competitive person," said Dickson.
"To compete for Canada is an honour. Not too many people can
say that, and it's something I am proud of.
This year is a rebuilding season for me, and
just to get some miles on my new Atomic ski equipment. Next
year might be a big year. My focus right now is on a podium
finish at the 2006 Paralympic games in Turin, Italy. After
crashing earlier this year, I have been working with a
physiotherapist to be ready for 2006. The Paralympics is what
you work for in our sport."
Dickson has already qualified for the 2006
games because of his victories in four events at the Canadian
championships last year.
Dickson is no stranger to the podium at
Paralympic Games. In 1992, he won a gold and two bronzes in
Albertville, France. He crashed at the 1998
games, and missed the 1994 and 2002 games due
to personal and work commitments.
"Now, I have the time to pursue the gold
again," said Dickson. "I know I can be on the podium in 2006.
It gives me a goal in life. It will take a great deal of work
and I am willing to make the commitment. I am employed and
sponsored by Sudbury Home Depot, and they allow me to work
flexible hours so I can pursue my ventures."
Dickson, 39, was involved in a motorcycle
accident in 1984. He suffered a paralyzed left arm and lost the
lower part of his left foot.
Dickson has always met his disability head on
with an unflinching eye.
"You have to accept what has happened and
move on," he said. "You have to find what the positives are in
a negative situation. I think I have done that. Skiing is a
huge positive in my life, and I will continue to do it for as
long as I can."
Dickson's bright attitude has been a welcomed
addition to the Canadian team.
"Jeff's bringing a whole new attitude to the
plate, and he's doing quite well," said Allan Matile, team
manager. "He's matured, and he's here for all the right
reasons. We expect great things from Jeff and the team this
year and next."
Even though he has skied all over the world
and had numerous memorable adventures, the way the world looks
at him never ceases to amaze Dickson.
"I was in an able-body race a few weeks ago
in Quebec against 225 15 and 16 year olds," said Dickson. "I
beat them, but being disabled really impressed them. It opened
their eyes to disabled skiing, and just how competitive we are.
I gained some respect and it's just a good, good
feeling."
