Zoricic pleased with safety measures
Truth be told, Bebe Zoricic felt like crying Saturday as he cheered for Canada on a frozen-fingers-and-toes kind of day at the inaugural Audi Ski Cross World Cup.
But no one could tell from outside as a smiling Zoricic greeted skiers from around the world with a wide smile and warm hug at the bottom of the Nakiska Ski Resort.
“It’s a big hole inside my heart,” Zoricic said, clutching his left side as he looked at the snow-capped mountain peaks glistening in the sun. “I’m really happy. Everyone is safe. Nobody is hurt. Everybody enjoyed it. It’s a beautiful day.
“In terms of safety, we’re on the right track.”
For the first time in more than a year Saturday, not one Canadian graced the podium at a World Cup ski cross event. Considering the way Canada has traditionally dominated the sport, a medal shutout is never easy to stomach, especially on home snow.
But for a team and an organization still processing the death of Bebe’s son Nik Zoricic last March (grief counselling, for some, is ongoing), the results mattered little when put in the greater context.
The Nakiska event marked the first World Cup event since Nik Zoricic died last March of massive head injuries suffered upon crashing off a jump in the poorly-designed finish area in Grindelwald, Switzerland. He was 29. “You know we’ve had a pretty challenging nine months since last season,” said Alpine Canada ski cross director Dave Ellis. “Everybody got down in one piece and probably got a big bear off their back getting back to competition.
“I think the most important thing here is we put on a good race. There were no injuries at all from what I’ve seen. I think we’re back on our feet and ready to give ’er.”
Calgary’s Brady Leman finished second in the small final to place sixth overall in front of a gaggle of family and friends. Kelsey Serwa, of Kelowna, was the top Canadian woman with a ninth-place finish.
Leman is ranked No. 2 in the world and he expected so much more from himself on the mountain he trained on as a teenager.
“It’s disappointing any time we have a home event and don’t get someone on the podium,” said Leman, 26. “My starts were just a little off today. Sixth is still a pretty decent result. Anytime you can get to the semifinals, it’s not too bad. But I wanted to be on the podium really bad today. I wanted to win.”
In spite of the sting of defeat, Leman almost instantly put the event in its proper perspective.
“It’s kind of an escape from everything, actually, to be back on the race course,” Leman said. “We’re all still out here doing what we love. I love to ski race. I love to ski. Any day I can go skiing and say I went to work today is an amazing day.”
The Canadians hardly held a monopoly on grief Saturday. Tomas Kraus, of the Czech Republic, made a point at the end of the race to stop by and tell a Canadian reporter how sorely Nik is missed.
“I’m sorry I didn’t talk to the press about Nik until now,” the two-time world champion said, looking over at Bebe.
Fanny Smith, of Switzerland, won the women’s event, followed by Ophelie David, of France, and Anna Holmlund, of Switzerland.
On the men’s side, Switzerland’s Armin Niederer won gold. His countryman, Alex Fiva, seized silver. Anton Grimus, of Australia, captured bronze.
I’m really happy. Everyone is safe. Nobody is hurt.” BEBE ZORICIC