BY SCOTT HADDOW
There is only one way Jillian Keast knows how
to ski: no fear at all.
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Jillian Keast is hoping her love of
speed will propel her to the podium at the Canadian
national downhill ski championship. |
The gutsy 14-year-old skier has blazed a
wicked trail through the downhill ski season so far this year,
winning races, and recently earning a bronze medal in the combo
race at the provincial championships for 13- and
14-year-olds.
Keast uses her fearless nature, combined with
a love for speed, to rip through the white stuff and climb up
the Ontario rankings for her age class.
Currently, Keast is ranked 10th in the
category for 13- and 14-year-olds.
Keast will head to Quebec from March 20-26 to
compete at the Canadian nationals.
She went last year, finishing 22nd in the
super giant slalom, 39th in the slalom and failed to finish the
giant slalom after falling.
Keast is looking to bump up her performances
this year.
"I want to come in Top 10," said the
14-year-old. "I am more excited this year because last year, I
didn't know what to expect or how it was going to be run.
Knowing what happens...I am more confident this time around
that I can really do a good job. To be in the Top 10, I can't
be afraid and ski hard. As long as I keep my focus, I'll be
alright."
Winning a provincial bronze has certainly
propelled Keast's belief in herself heading into
nationals.
"I was surprised I did that well at
provincials," said Keast. "It a huge confidence booster for
me."
Keats points to recent around the world
training she received as some of the reasons for her rise
through the rankings.
"I went to three training camps - one in
France, one in Vermont and one in Colorado," said Keast. "It
helped me a lot because the coaches spent a lot of time working
with me on things I needed to improve on. It has really paid
off."
Earning a spot in the Top 10 for Ontario has
also benefitted the skier.
"It shows me that I am the 10th best racer in
Ontario...And it means I have a chance at anything I do."
When it comes right down to it, Keast just
really relishes her time on the slopes, even if she doesn't
take the time to enjoy it.
"I love speed," said Keast about what she
enjoys most about skiing. "I am not afraid of it at all and I
love going fast. I have a lot of confidence in my speed. I know
if I crash and get hurt, I can just get better and ski
again."
As it has been for the last few years, Keast
spends a lot of time on the road travelling to Sault Ste. Marie
in order to train at Mount Searchmont. The process is taxing on
her, but she has become comfortable with the situation.
"I am getting used to it now," said Keast.
"The ride actually feels pretty short now. It does a lot of
good for me and helps me with everything for skiing."
Even though she's a year older and wiser from
her last national event, Keast doesn't feel any pressure at all
to have an incredible series of performances.
"I feel none at all," said Keast. "I really
like competition and I like to win. I need to win. It gives me
an adrenaline rush."
