Thomas Genon
/
Belgium
FOLLOW ME
www.adambarwood.com
Date of birth:
1992.07.30
Hometown:
Queenstown, New Zealand
Hobbies:
Guitar, mountain biking
Favourite athletes:
Aksel Lund Svindal, Bode Miller, Hermann Maier
BIO
I started my career in ski racing at Coronet Peak in 2001 with a school holiday program learning to ski, then weekends, to where I am now a full time athlete. I also spent time training at Cardrona and Treble Cone but the last couple of years, Coronet Peak has been my home base.
For the past ten years, summers have been spent in the northern hemisphere continuing the training. This has been in Europe, the USA and Canada. I participated in the Olympics in Sochi, Russia February 2014 and have entered into two World Ski Championships in Schladming, Austria and Beaver Creek, CO.
I am proud to represent my country New Zealand at the highest level of alpine skiing and I am a member of the New Zealand National Ski Team.
INTERVIEW
What are you looking for to accomplish?
To continue to improve my world ranking, top ten or podium world cup and Olympics, prove that despite very little funding it is possible for New Zealand to achieve at a top level in Alpine skiing.
What would be your greatest achievement?
Twenty fifth position for slalom at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics.
What kind of difficulties does your sport’s performance involve?
Lack of funding and support within New Zealand. And of course injuries are always a risk.
What makes you feel satisfied when performing your sport?
I love the environment I’m in, the people I am involved with and in particular – ski racing. My most satisfying feeling is when all the hard work comes together in a race where everything gels.
Where do you practice your techniques when being alone?
In the gym, at home, on the mountain.
What do you do during your training which is key to your success?
Focus on the course, the environment and keep pushing to improve.
What are you most nervous about when competing?
Failing to perform.
Who would you say is your biggest fan and why?
Parents: they continue to fund and support me in what I love doing.
What is the best piece of advice you have been ever given?
Carpe diem — seize the day.
What are your future plans?
After the New Zealand winter head over to the States for training and races, compete in Nor Am races head over to Europe for further races, increase my fitness and lower my FIS points to gain better start positions.
What are your tips for those who begin now?
Love your sport, be proud of yourself and your country.
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