If you want to be trendsetter during the 2010 Games, I have two words for you: SKI CROSS!!  Not Ice Hockey or Speed Skating ... SKI CROSS!  And if you want to look like you're  in the know, the name you want to throw around is K-SER  - as in Kelsey Serwa, Ski Cross Star.  (Okay, that's the proud uncle in me speaking, but she IS a star in my books).

 

My name is Peter Angle, uncle/superfan of 2010 Canadian Olympian, Kelsey Serwa. Kelsey is a member of the Canadian Ski Cross team, the newest sport to hit the Olympics.

 

If you're wondering what the heck is Ski Cross, well that's what our family was wondering a few years ago too.   That's when Kelsey made a huge decision to leave the Alpine Canada Development program and start her career on the World Cup Ski Cross Circuit.

 

Did that move pay off? 

 

Well, umm... I'll go with understatement of the year for $2000, Mr. Trebek..

 

In her rookie season last year, Kelsey finished third overall in the world.  She won FIS World Cup Rookie of the year, became the Canadian National Champion; won twice this season on the FIS World Circuit and is now an Olympian.  

 

I've kept up with and cheered on Kelsey's skiing career for many years, mainly from afar, through "Go get em" emails.  And if I was lucky enough, I'd catch a race live when she hit our local hill . Even helped out on a race crew when her Dad ( my brother Brad) and Mom ( my sister-in-law Terri) suggested "you should come on out, it's a hoot." It was....and they even give you beer at the end of the day!

 

Our last email chat was Sunday January 24 after she WON the World Cup Race in Lake Placid.  Her message was simply: "Pete, I'm in!! I get to be an Olympian!!"  That's one email that will  never be deleted.

 

So now, thanks to K-SER, the 2010 Games are taking on a whole new look. Someone from our CLAN is racing for a dream....and we'll get to be there, front row, cowbell in hand, every turn and jump along the way.

 

I was asked to share the behind the goggles look at this journey.

 

I will update you along the way until  February 23 at 10:30am when the gate drops and the race is on.  So tune up on ski cross and tag along for the ride!

 

Uncle Pete