:: ACTON IN ACTION ::

A blink of an eye

Well, I have to say that this season went by quickly and at times it did feel slooooooooooooow. But I am already home, twiddling my thumbs, waiting to see what is next.

My last race in Garmish was all right… I won’t say great, but I didn’t feel like I reached my race potential but I ended up 15^th, and got some more world cup points which is great! The next day was a Nations Cup event. It’s a dual GS, and you race against other countries that you are paired up with. We only had 4 Canadians on our team, but you can have up to 6 athletes, but it must be 2 girls and 2 guys.

Erik, Manny and Britt and I were matched with Slovenia first round and beat them, and then we went against Austria and unfortunately lost so we were eliminated. There is a whole logistic but I am not about to get into that… hahah! During that time, I hurt my shoulder… must have been my first run but I nailed it on a gate and was pretty stiff by the end of the day. Such a weird injury to do, but I wasn’t able to do much so the team sent me home to rest. That’s the end of my season – just like that! I was planning on staying in Garmish to train for 4 days but didn’t get to do that, and then I had nationals, which are going on as we speak in Nakiska… and I can’t do those either…. But it is the end of March and I’m happy I was healthy all season. I’m still nursing my shoulder a week after being home, and it is feeling a lot better; I’m also fighting strep throat. I’ve decided to diagnose myself with the help of Mike. Ha! I am hoping that some Florida UV rays will make me feel better, but so far it’s still not super hot to be laying out there. And even though I’m in a nice hot place… home is home and it’s always so busy!!!!

I am staying put for a while, so maybe some more sleep and treatment will get me back to doing some activities like tennis or yoga….

Also I’m in the middle of trying to plan an amazing vacation!!!!!!

See you all soon –

Brigitte

Palm trees make us smile!!!!!

SOOOO SERIOUS!

Enjoying some sweet time at home!!! Nursing a sore shoulder!!!

… quickly…deflating… such a build up and it’s done…

It’s crazy to think of how much you work, and how much you prepare mentally for something that really only last 2 segments of 50+ seconds. I felt like everything came down so quickly that I wasn’t even able to really think clearly of how I did… was I happy with my performance? Did I do everything I could of prior to “THIS” to be fully ready? What just happened???? That was more like what went through my mind. The moment I stood in the start gate… the weather seem to clear a bit for me. (Who ever watched would have noticed that the SKI GOD was out there to help me J) I was nervous, heart in my throat feeling, what happened to my quadzillas?…  but I left with the start gate hearing so many people cheering for me, and I had the energy and attitude that I was going for it. My second run was probably similar in the attacking sense, but I lost too much time with poor skiing on the bottom, and I do feel like I did EVERYTHING I could of at that time so I don’t regret ANYTHING!

That was my goal for the day – to not regret or leave anything on the hill… I wanted it to be in the finish with me.

I did have some amazing fans – my fan club got some sweet airtime on the big screen. Thanks Mom & Dad, Gavan & Lindsay with their kiddos, Lise-Marie, Mamie and Papi, Raymond and Michelle (my god parents), Andrea, and especially Mike for making it work out with his team. I have talked about this moment with all of them for the last 4 years… and it happens so quickly it’s SHOCKING!!!!! It’s over! It’s ALL OVER, DONE, and DONE…. but I walk away with nothing but the pride of being a Canadian. A soo girl, and especially just happy I could share this moment with all the ones that have supported me and pushed me to my limits. It was a special moment. I touches my heart and makes me emotional just looking back at it. I had the time of my life, the day of my life, and the result isn’t what I dreamed of… but I’m OK with it!! Hahaha

Thanks to everybody who tuned in to watch. I know so many of you did, soooo COOL! All the messages everybody posted. It fueled me.

Enjoy the pictures below.

Love you all :: Brigitte

** I am going to keep writing on here to whoever wants to read. I race this Saturday (13^th) in Germany for World Cup Finals. I’m training all week, so hope I get some sweet pictures to post. **

My Cheering SQUAD – walking to the race!!!

The nice layer of FOG, RAIN and SNOW!

If anybody has this please write me and let me know hahaha … it was lost by the end of the day….

Waiting for me to go… I’m sure they are starting to get nervous!!!

After my first run  – SOOO HAPPY!!!!!

Mike sliding with Sydney after my race!!!! Sweet picture!

The best fans and best mascots!!!!

Anna and I – trying to find a way to get rid of all our gear the day of Closings – we took 3 buses, and talked to about 20 people who had no idea where to send us. We finally got it figured out – I look somewhat still excited here – (1st shuttle bus ride)

Anna and I on top of CANADA HOUSE in the Athlete’s Village in Vancouver…. just minutes away from the GOLD in men’s hockey!

Listening to the sound of VANCOUVER, as the men’s hockey team won gold….

Gathering for closing ceremonies……. hahah i’m obviously doing something ridiculous!

The tech girls at closings… me, Anna, Erin, Mitch and MP

Well, back in the beat of things with another long travel back to Europe! I have my recap on the end of my Olympic experience and will share it with you guys shortly! I have my thoughts and a lot to say about it…. Sorry I haven’t been able to post it. The moment I finished my race and got back to Tampa for 5 days off was an estimated of 8 hour sleep for all 3 nights. I did laundry, slept and enjoyed some FREEZING weather in FLA! I was really looking forward to wearing shorts and a t-shirt, but unfortunately I was stuck in my winter clothes!!! I did get some time with Mike also when he wasn’t on the road.

I’m just sitting in the lounge in Charlotte, NC, flying to Munich… Where my technician Martin will pick me up at 8:30 in the morning and we will drive to Garmisch where the World Cup finals will be held all next week! I don’t race till the 13th so I will probably be training most days and hopefully be able to watch some races. Wish I had more company on this trip over…all my teammates are over here for Nor-Am finals (GOODLUCK GIRLS) and Anna got surgery!!! She said it went well, so hope the next few months are the same!!!!!
I’ll be back soon with updates from Europe and like I promised my Olympic recap.
Brigitte
BC place is Vancouver…. The moment Canada won gold!

I guess my final count down has started… not only am I a day away, I’m now hours away. Tomorrow at this time I am hoping to have raced well and with the heart of a true Canadian.

We were able to train this morning in some “classic Whistler conditions”…. started off at the top with some rays of sun, through the clouds into some fog and snow falling, then into a mist, and rain!!!! It was tough but the weather isn’t looking great for tomorrow, so whatever the conditions may be, I feel like my whole team and I are ready. We like to say we were born ready…. But at the same time, this is a dream becoming reality, it’s my everyday job. So I am hoping to go out there and ski the best I CAN SKI!!!! Just me, the course and the hill.

I start 25 – Anna starts 23 – she is skiing without an ACL. She tore in January 4th so she is giving it all she’s got! Mitch is starting 33, and she was 21st today in the GS! Erin is making her debut to the games along with everybody but me!!! I can of feel old…. but not really!

THANKS FOR all the emails and comments on here – I can’t describe the feeling. It’s been a very nice journey up to now. You have all been for so supportive. Thanks for cheering!!!

Anna, Mitch, Erin and myself will be out there with our Canadian Olympic pride!!!! Along with my whole coaching staff!!!!

Brigitte

Whistler weather!!! It isn’t supposed to be nice tomorrow but who knows… These Pictures ANNA took!!!

I have been training on the mountain. I have been around the village. I have been sitting in my condo with my teammates glued to the TV screen… Yelling at it! Cheering for so many of our Canadian teammates. From incredible hockey, to bobsled, to an emotional roller coaster with Joannie skating without her biggest fan, all my thoughts and prayers go out to her & her family.

The energy, the support, and how patriotic Canadians are! IT’S AMAZING!!!!! Every time I’m on the hill, taking a rest, somebody is raising his or her arms, waving, GO CANADA GO.

The Whistler Village is just HOPPING with live music, and cheers. The spirit is IN THE AIR!!!! It really does feel like HOME! I LOVE IT!

Even though we are approaching the end of the Olympics, I still have my one and only event left. I can’t wait to be out there in the start gate, feeling my nerves shocked, but also trying to ski my very best on demand. It’s all going to be coming from my heart and I hope to make you all proud!

I have had some great moments with my family.  Wish I could spend more time with them, but I’m not here for a reunion… I have a job to do. And I hope to do it well!

Check in tomorrow for my final prep –

Here are some pictures from the last couple days!

Having some down time with my family. Claire and I playing Jenga!

Sydney showing us how to build a bridge!

VISUALIZING… NOT – just posing that I am!!! hahah! But it looks intense!!!

It wasn’t quite light enough for us to ski so we started taking random shots… Up early for some great training on Whistler!

Anna on the RINGS in the Whistler Village!

A good LAUGH!!!!

Still having a good time!

Loving the hoods! Staying warm & dry!

ANNA BANANA!

The fastest kitty cat on the mountain!!!!!

Lise-Marie just shredded some sweet turns on her Rossi’s!!!!

Brigitte

So after a full day of travelling… which was….

Flying from Calgary to Vancouver, shuttle bus from Vancouver to Whistler Olympic Village, getting our accreditation (which is basically your passport to get EVERYWHERE for the next week), another bus to Creekside Village, then a chair lift… ( I had a duffle bag with me this whole time), then a nice walk through the finish and up to our condo. It was an adventure in itself, but nothing my team doesn’t expect. Maybe you had to be there…. Here are some pictures.

Our condo is great – we are nice and cozy, and atmosphere of Whistler seems great. We all can’t wait to race.

Anna looking BEAUTIFUL as always!

Going up the Chair they added into Creekside – you have to take this chair to access the finish area, or you can walk… but I recommend the chair!

My duffle bag that I dragged around everywhere!!!!

The finish… Left side is the men’s track, Right side is the women’s track!

Claire and Sydney! THANK YOU! Sydney has his helmet on, which has a SHARK COVER! WATCH OUT FOR HIM SKIING WHISTLER! Claire is holding Flat Peyton…. You will find out more about her soon!

I finally got to see my family last night for dinner. It’s amazing we are all together in the same place. It’s been way too long since our last “reunion”. My grandparents on my mom’s side are also here to cheer me on. They flew out with part of some home cooked meals…. YUMMMYYY!!!!!

Brigitte

ALL OF YOU ARE SO THOUGHTFUL FOR THE COMMENTS AND IT ROCKS READING THEM!

I just finished packing… well not fully packed but partially packed for Whistler. We are leaving Nakiska, and flying into Vancouver on Saturday morning. I have 3 duffle bags, a pole bag, and about 3 ski bags!!! Every bag contains important items…. 2 pair of ski boots, extra liners, 4 helmets, gloves, mitts, all my work out gear. Downhill suits (my tight race suit), and a bunch of jackets to make sure I am nice and warm on the hill… (never happens)… haha! The list could continue but I’m sure you get the point.

Yesterday we trained in a “tiny snow storm”. It snowed quite  a bit, which was amazing to wake up too. The “sweet cherry cherry pow pow” on the trees, every snow flake just free falling through the sky. I had to train so I didn’t get to ski much powder. But for some reason I love when I can train in those conditions!!!!

Today I was one of the first ones down the training hill. I slipped the course my coaches were setting up, and then I had basically the whole mountain to myself. The sun was shinning, and there was a nice layer of snow. Every single snow particle was shinning. It was like skiing on diamonds… hahah! I REALLY WISH!!!!! But it was a moment where I wish I had my camera or even my phone to take a picture and I didn’t. Hope next time I can show you all how amazing it was.

But WAIT – before you go. I need to THANK ALL THE MESSAGES I AM GETTING FROM THE SOO. I can feel so much support from my hometown. I am very proud!

My family has sent me some pictures I want to share with you all. It’s sooo exciting for me. Also here are some pictures of adorable kiddo fans!!!

My beautiful best friends! Maman & Lise-Marie

Molly is even in the spirit!!!!

Brady and Katie – GO CANADA GO!

Next time I write I will hopefully be in Whistler, with the real description of the Olympic BUZZ.

Brigitte

Wake up, Eat, Warm-up, Inspection, Train, Eat, Rest, Train, Physio, Video, Eat, Sleep!!!

**** I added some pictures on my Away from the snow page *****

That is pretty much how my day goes – these days…. We are still training in Nakiska and it isn’t easy at all. It’s great training, but tough. I like it tough. I have been able to ski with some of the guys on my team, and it’s been really interesting.  I can watch them and try to copy. I obviously don’t have half of the power they have, but it’s really nice to have a fast set pace. They give me some sweet tips and help me try and go faster. My coaches do that too…. We train everyday with timing.  Sometimes, I wish it wasn’t there…. But it’s a great way to see what works best for skis, different techniques, and most of the time I know when my run was faster or slower.  The days I wish timing wasn’t there, is when I just want to ski and really feel it out. But the timing is what RACING IS ALL ABOUT!!!!

I’m lucky I have an amazing technician who takes great care of my skis. . Actually, my whole team is amazing!!! But Martin is the one who makes sure my skis are sharp and fast. It’s been really icy here in Nakiska!!!! I am currently on my 8^th and 9^th pair of slalom skis.. Can you believe that??? WOW! I can’t – but with attempting to ski down a skating rink every day for a whole lot of runs, and sharpening the edges everyday really wears them out.  Now I am just trying to decide which pair will be my race skis for the games.

Since we are skiing on an injected slope, (which means basically a slanted skating rink), our bodies seem to be taking some beating.  Well mine is…. I go and get treatment from my physio every day.

I am training another 3 days, then flying to Vancouver on Saturday and will be up in Whistler from the 20th and on…….

My boyfriend met this amazing painter a couple of years ago. He has painted many of Mike’s goalie masks.  His name is David Arrigo, and I am so lucky that he has helped me out with making my helmets unique and “flashy”. Here is the new look I have for the games. It’s a crazy beaver wearing a Canada cape. Hahahaha – yes it sounds funny but it’s amazing work and I LOVE IT!!! THANKS GOGO!!!!

He is presently in Vancouver painting through out the games. Check out more of his work, at www.davidarrigo.com

I wanted to thank everybody who has been posting comments. They are awesome to read, and it’s such a surprise to see who has been checking it out. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!! The energy through the messages and how positive they are is UNREAL!

I THRIVE AND FEED OFF OF THE SUPPORT – it makes me smile! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK ALL OF YOU!!!!!!!!!

Bonne nuit

Brigitte xxx

HERE WE GO!! Blue, Yellow, Black, Green and Red!!!!! The rings I have starred at my whole childhood.  I lived this dream in 2006. But this dream is different. WAY DIFFERENT!

The PRIDE to be representing Canada at a home Olympic game is…. Well it’s hard to describe. I’m sure most of you reading this can have a sense of how WE feel. My own soil, my own mountains, my own view, my own fans, all of my own surroundings, and most of all my own SNOW!!!! I have dreamed of doing this, but the wonderful butterflies I get in my tummy, when I hear Canada being announced is something very truly special.

My teammates and I were unable to attend the opening ceremonies because we are training in Nakiska, Alberta till the 20^th.  Yes, our training continues and we are still trying to find ways to go as fast as we can. Till the last mille second we will be trying!!!! We did watch the opening ceremonies and got all dressed up in our “Spirit Wear”. I find it kind of ironic that we are training in Nakiska, the site of the skiing events during the 1988 Calgary Olympic Games.  We are where it was, 22 years ago, on home snow!

Thanks for all the support and keep your cheering LOUD!!!!!!!!!!!! Enjoy the pictures!

Our outfits for the night!

Marie-Pier Prefontaine, Marie-Michele Gagnon, and myself!

Anna and I – no idea about the tape… ha!

I love my gold ski boot necklace….

Anna, Mitch, Myself and MP

Told you I loved it…

Training at Nakiska

My new WHITE olympic gloves, with my favorite skis!!!!

Brigitte