Pinay freestyle skier in high spirits

GANGWON, South Korea – Freestyle skier Laetaz Amihan Rabe tries to conquer a strong field and loneliness when she sees action today in the Fourth Winter Youth Olympics.

“I feel lonely because I’m the only one in my events,” said the 14-year-old Rabe, who’s been practicing at the Welli Hilli Park Ski Resort where the temperature dropped to -15 Celsius yesterday. “But I’m proud and ready for tomorrow,” she stressed. Rabe sustained a minor bruise in her face when she crashed in training Sunday but said she’s ready for the women’s slopestyle that starts at 9:45 a.m. here featuring 20 other strong contenders with athletes from Australia, Canada, China, New Zealand, Ukraine and the US as favorites.

There were others who sustained injuries in practice. One suffered a concussion and another broke his knee and are out of the Olympics.

“All those happened on the same day (Monday),” said Ric Rabe, Rabe’s dad and coach. “(Today) is competition day and she’s feeling alone. But she’s in good spirits. She’s framing her mind to focus and finalize our plan.”

Slopestyle freeski is skiing down over a series of rails and jump features while in big air.

Rabe’s other event is set Sunday, with athletes launching themselves for a big jump and perform while airborne with spins, grabs and flips.

“I was able to do a lot of tricks and spins with my new skis,” she said. “I was able to ski at the snow park for a few hours, checked out my speed and the rails if it’s sticky. It’s just small details, but very important.”

“She is one of the last qualifiers,” Ric Rabe said. “Realistic objectives are to gain experience from this international event and try to be the best among her FIS (International Ski Federation) counterparts while enjoying the moment here.”