The giant of slalom

Dunkeld’s own sensational ski racer, Connor Wilson (20) has won the 2017 South African National Alpine Ski Championships – his second year running.

He won the title at the Fédération Internationale de Ski (FIS) series of slalom competitions at the Tiffindell Ski Resort in the Eastern Cape on 31 July.

Now back in Joburg briefly, the former St John’s College matriculant explained he had been a part-time student at the Carrabassett Valley Academy in the USA, a ski and snowboard academy, and training at Sugerloaf Mountain for the past two years.

Wilson also trains at Afriski Mountain Resort in Lesotho and has a Swiss coach, Cedric Maret, who assists when he goes to races.

After reaching the pinnacle of ski racing in South Africa, twice, Wilson hopes to be selected for the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea.

Until then, he will study veterinary medicine at the University of Vermont and train in the USA.

“There were windy conditions and intense pressure to win at nationals but I am really happy with the result,” he said, explaining he had two runs to go through that comprised 100 gates each. If he missed a gate, he would have been disqualified and his time discounted.

“Ski racing gives you an adrenaline rush. For 40 seconds you have to stay very focused. You must put everything into it and can’t make a mistake.”

He said the most difficult thing about ski racing was dealing with temperatures as low as -20°C. “It is the best thing to get to the bottom and know you have done your best and are proud of your time.”

Coach Maret said Wilson has the potential to reach the top 500 ranking in Slalom in the next four years. “Connor is a hard worker and has a passion for ski racing. He’s strong in fitness and in preparation,” Maret explained.

Also read: Wilson aims to raise SA flag high in Switzerland 

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