Karolina Wisniewska's Story
The weather at Whistler Creekside on March 15 was mixed, golden bursts of sunshine piercing through the grey clouds only to be hidden by sporadic snow squalls, which were then chased away by the sun. The changing weather seemed to imitate the mixed emotions of the athletes hurtling down the mountain side as well as their supporters at the base; family, friends and strangers alike demonstrating their support and appreciation of the exploits of the outstanding skiers navigating the demanding mountain race course that afternoon.
Having a long history of involvement with sport for people with a disability, I was oblivious to whether the skier was using a sit-ski because they had a spinal cord injury; skiing with a guide because they were visually impaired; or skiing on artificial limbs or on a single leg because they were an amputee. To me they were simply athletes doing what they had spent years to become proficient at – ski racing.
Karolina Wisniewska had come out of retirement for these Games because these ones were in her home country -- Canada. She knew it was going to be an experience she didn’t want to miss but she also realized that the odds were against her to win a medal. Eight years had passed since she last competed in the Paralympic Games. The competition would be fierce but her dream was to be a part of it, to represent Canada at home during the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Games. She was determined to give it her best shot and do all that she could to race her best on the slopes of Whistler Creekside.
We all waited anxiously at the bottom of the hill for her run to start. Standing with a group of Canadian team supporters, including Karolina’s sister, we all sensed the nervous tension. She was fourth after the first of two runs in the slalom and would need a stellar run to remain in the pursuit of a medal. At last the moment arrived: she was in the gate, then on course seeking the fastest line down the hill, all of us collectively willing her around each of the gates as we anxiously monitored her progress on the large screens. When she flew into view, a huge roar burst from the crowd, desperately urging her on to the finish. She was second, for the moment! A podium finish was possible.
The next skier at the half way point was ahead of Karolina and going to push her down to third place when the young Slovakian caught a ski tip on a pole and bang, she was down and out of the race. Only a few more racers remained, so Karolina and all her supporters waited. Would her dream come true; would she win a medal or was it not to be her day?
Suddenly it was Lauren Woolstencrofton course, a Canadian teammate and arguably the best woman ski racer with a disability in the world. She seemed to glide effortlessly through the course, carving smooth turns and constantly increasing her lead over the others. As she flew across the finish line, her time flashed up and it was a first place finish, what was to be her first of five gold medals during these games. But now she left Karolina hanging on to third place.
A few more skiers hurtled down the mountain but they failed to dislodge Lauren from first or Karolina from the podium. Abruptly it was over and the celebration began: hugs, smiles, tears of joy and lots of cheering. Canada had won gold and bronze in the same race and Karolina’s dream of winning a medal at home had come true.
