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I’m Nick Katrusiak. I am a current member of the Canada Ski Cross Next Gen Team
Ski cross is a thrilling and dynamic discipline of alpine skiing that combines speed, agility, and technical skill. Unlike the traditional races (slalom, downhill) ski cross has multiple athletes competing at the same time, on the same track. Head-to-head racing, elimination rounds, jumps and passing all make for fantastic spectating. You do not have to be able to ski or even understand ski racing to find ski cross exciting and easy to follow. Also unique to ski cross, both the men and women compete at the same event, on the same track, making it gender inclusive and more entertaining for the fans.
I have consistently demonstrated my abilities at this great sport, progressing every year, which has led to my making criteria for the CSX “Next Gen” development program. I am 19 years old, and this season will only be my second with the national team. Last year, I focused mostly on Nor Am level races. I achieved my goal of winning the North American Cup Overall title and at the end of the season I placed 2nd at World Junior Championships as an individual male and came 2nd in the mixed team event as well. During the season I was also invited to compete in two World Cup races (my first ever) and finished 15th in the second one held in St. Moritz, Switzerland.
This coming year, my coaches have determined that I will spend the season primarily on the Europa Cup circuit and will also again attend a few World Cups. I have one more year of eligibility in the World Junior category and intend to podium once again. With your assistance and my unwavering focus and determination, I am confident that I can achieve even greater success at this next level.
I am proud to be an “up-and-comer” on the world’s most winning team – Canada Ski Cross has won 11 of the past 17 Nation’s Cups and last season’s Junior Nation’s Cup. We have both strong women and men competitors on our senior team who have won the overall individual title many times in the past. With their stellar example and our fantastic coaching staff, if I add your support, I too hope to be at the top of the world podium in the future.