The summer of training just came to an end and we wanted to update you on how B2ten athletes are progressing in their pursuit of excellence.
On Ice:
Tessa Virtue is a new invitee with B2ten. The B2ten medical and reconditioning service providers have been able to assess and deliver therapy and programming that will finally allow her to skate freely without any pain resulting from a shin operation in 2008. Not one to let surgery stand in the way, Tessa and her partner managed to take Bronze at Worlds in March under much pain. B2ten will provide the resources so that she can continue to be treated by her therapist at competitions in France, Canada and Japan this fall.
Joannie Rochette and Patrick Chan have each been working hard on their programs to make sure they have the delivery package that the judges will want to see at the Olympics. While we cannot reveal any secrets, we think Canada will be happy.
Denny Morrison and Christine Nesbitt spent a lot of time in Vancouver on the oval ice. They said it really feels like home for them now and this is a big advantage when it comes down to the Olympics. Skating ice is like red wine, it might look like the same to those who have no knowledge of it but each ice surface is different. Given the oval is at sea level and when combined with high humidity we do not expect to see world records in 2010.
On Snow:
Alexandre Bilodeau and Jennifer Heil went to Argentina in search of perfect ski conditions. And they found them with three exceptional weeks in the southernmost city in the world. It was mission accomplished with both reaching all objectives. Presently the two are pushing their limits under the supervision of Scott Livingston and Paulo Saldanha.
Alex Harvey was down under in New Zealand where he was able to work on technique and confirm that his volume of training during the summer was absolutely perfect.
Davey Barr and Aleisha Cline were also on snow in New Zealand. Because of your support, this is the first summer they can train full time.
Steve Omischl spent most of his time on the water ramp in Quebec City. He is working hard on his triple flip with 5 twists in the hope of mastering it for the Games.
On the Sliding Track:
Lyndon Rush and his team are so happy with their new equipment that at the recent Calgary athlete donor evening Lyndon described things to the group as; “I won the lottery and it’s called B2ten – now I have everything needed to win so it’s my job to deliver!”
Helen Upperton and the girls have had a very productive summer of training. Helen has recovered from last season’s detached ribs and is counting the days until they start sliding on the Olympic track (October 12th)
Jeff Pain has lost weight and gained power, no need to tell you what that will do on the fastest track in the world in Whistler.
Michelle Kelly has worked hard in gaining speed. She has improved her start and only needs to regain mental edge to score once again.
