Jeff Dickson was out to prove he could still compete in the
men's disabled standing division at the recent Canadian alpine
skiing championships in Kimberley, B.C.
Dickson was in a motorcycle accident in 1985. It left him with
a paralyzed left arm and an amputated left foot. The accident
never took away his will to challenge himself.
Dickson was unable to compete last season because of an
extensive knee surgery performed two years ago. This year,
however, Dickson dominated on the slopes, despite being away
from the sport for a whole season.
Dickson competed in four events - Downhill, Giant Slalom, Super
Giant Slalom and Slalom.
On the first day, Dickson roared to a second place finish in
Downhill. It was in less than ideal conditions and after the
race the real fireworks started.
"It was rainy and the hill was soggy and slushy," said the
42-year-old skier. "I ended up finishing just a tenth of a
second behind the guy who placed first. At the awards ceremony
I was thinking I'm getting a silver medal, but then they didn't
call my name. I didn't get the silver medal. I didn't have a
Federation International Ski (FIS) licence. I had to have the
licence in order for it to be an official race and be
recognized by the race organizing committee. I didn't know I
needed the licence. If I would have, I would have got mine. My
coach was told we didn't need a FIS licence to compete this
year. "
Dickson went out and finished skiing the championship races
even though he knew he wouldn't be receiving any medals.
In the Super Giant slalom, Dickson won the race by two seconds.
In the Giant Slalom, he took first again. Finally, in the
Slalom, he missed a gate and finished out of the Top 3.
Dickson was recognized for his efforts.
"On the last day, at the awards ceremony, officials announced
me as the fastest man on the hill," said Dickson. "It was nice
to get a little recognition."
Dickson showed he's the real deal.
"Jeff's efforts and results were what I expected from him,"
said David Hacket, head coach of the Ontario Disabled Alpine
Race Team. "I've been associated with Jeff for a long time and
he has always delivered. His performance was nothing short of
spectacular.
"There was a lack of communication between Alpine Canada and
the associated teams throughout the provinces...about the FIS
licences," said the coach. "It was an unfortunate oversight and
a bad scene. Everybody knows the rules now, and hopefully are a
little wiser."
Dickson never ceases to amaze those around him.
"Jeff's had several set backs...and people have written him
off, but he always comes back with his best and vengeance,"
said Hacket. "He continues to impress everyone. He's a hard
worker and a dedicated racer. Team Ontario stands by Jeff. I
hope he will eventually get into coaching because he could make
a big difference in the sport."
Dickson's results have only ignited his competitive fires for
the future.
"Now that I know I am still one of the top skiers in Canada...I
know I can still be competitive on the World Cup level. If I am
fit and time permits, I will compete next season...there would
be no reason for me not to. I wouldn't even bother if I knew I
couldn't win."
This summer, Dickson will again tackle the world of disabled
elite cycling. Last year was his first season in that
sport.
He will participate in three qualifying races in order to try
and make the 2008 Beijing world championships. Dickson came
third at the Canadian national championships in 2006 in the
disabled division.
"Because of my competitive nature, I don't go to
participate...I go to win."
Aside from training for skiing or cycling, Dickson is also in
the process of getting his real estate appraisal designation.
He recently started a job with Royal LePage - North Heritage
Realty Inc. doing residential appraisals.
