Athlete Profile: Mary Benson, Para-Nordic Senior Development Team
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Date of Birth: |
Jan 12, 1961 |
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Place of Birth: |
Halifax, N.S. |
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Hometown: |
White Rock, B.C. |
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Club: |
Nordic Racers |
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Coach: |
George Tuira/ Kathy Oxner |
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Wax Technician |
George Tuira/ Kathy Oxner |
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Years on Senior Team |
2 |
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Equipment: |
Skis: Fischer/Madshus
Poles: Ski*Go
Boots/Bindings: Salomon |
Background:
Mary was a recreational skier for three years prior to her brain injury in 1999. She took up skiing again at an adapted ski program at Cypress Mountain in 2004. Someone asked What about training for 2010? She has never looked back!
Mary had the basis of competition from years of playing ringette, hockey and softball. She played all three at a provincial level, so training was not new to her. What was new was working against the effects of her brain injury that had wiped out any memory of prior skiing. With great coaching and support from family, Mary was able to reach for her goals and make Team 2010 in quick order, in two ski seasons.
This past August Mary spent a month at The Snow Farm in Lake Wanaka, New Zealand with the ParaNordic Ski Team. The conditions were fabulous for some very valuable pre-season training and coaching. The goal this ski season is to podium at a World Cup race.
2007-08 Results:
2007 Haywood Nor-Am, Vernon, BC: 3 (10km)
2008 IPC World Cup, Isny, GER: 8 (10km)
2008 IPC World Cup, Isny, GER: 6 (10km)
2008 IPC World Cup, Isny, GER: 5 (15km)
2008 IPC World Cup, Vuokatti, FIN: 13 (sprint)
2008 IPC World Cup, Vuokatti, FIN: 6 (10km)
2008 IPC World Cup, Nes, NOR: 9 (sprint)
2008 IPC World Cup, Nes, NOR: 8 (sprint)
2008 IPC World Cup, Nes, NOR: 10 (pursuit)
2008 Ski Nationals, Callaghan Valley, BC: 5 (5km)
2008 Ski Nationals, Callaghan Valley, BC: 6 (5km)
2008 Ski Nationals, Callaghan Valley, BC: 6 (sprint)
