We will now spotlight Sylvia Harvey of Greely. She was the 2024 Class B Classical and Freestyle state champion. She also won the WMC Classical and Freestyle and her Greely team won the Class B state title. We asked her about her preparations with the lack of snow, what she was thinking about at the start line, and more.
1) What were your preparations leading up to the state meet?
There wasn't any snow in my area for the majority of the ski season, so most of the training was roller skiing, running, and ski erging. I occasionally got on snow at weekend races like the Craftsbury Eastern Cup. WMCs and State Meet were especially challenging because I was sick. So I wasn't training much, and most of my preparation was to be in better health.
2) How did you deal with the pressure and emotions that come along with competing in a meet?
I was frustrated, because I was recovering from the flu, and I really wanted to perform at my best. However, I shifted my mindset by looking at the positives and ended up having a fun time racing and supporting my teammates.
3) What was going through your mind at the starting gate?
Deep breaths. Go out comfortably. Ski Fast. You got this!
4) What do you contribute your success to?
I contribute my success to my parents who had me skiing every winter since I was 2 years old.
5) What are your goals/plans for next year?
I am going to William and Mary in Virginia, so I don't plan on doing much skiing the next four years. But I hope to race in some Nonstop Nordic races when I am home.
6) What surprised you the most about this season?
What surprised me this season was everyone's positive attitudes despite the lack of snow all winter. My teammates' attitudes were contagious and made it fun through all the roller skiing practices and runs.
7) What moment/event will you remember the most from the season?
Skiing the Titcomb downhills with the team while blasting music, after cheering on the boys at State Meet was really fun!
8) What do you like most about Nordic Skiing?
I love the feeling of gliding across the snow outside in nature. I also love the Nordic community; it's been really special.
9) Anything else that you would like to add?
I'd like to say thank you to all coaches, teams, timers, groomers, and volunteers for making this all happen. Nordic skiing has been a big part of my life and other people's lives, and without these people we wouldn't be able to have this amazing experience.
