This was my biggest goal for 2010 and it is not going to happen. I find it hard to describe how disappointed I am- not only for myself but for all those who have supported me for so long, especially my family and my friends at the Ski Club

Last season I was assured that some of my results would qualify my for the Olympics and that I should not go “points chasing” at the end of the season- get some rest then be really ready for next season, and then do the World Cup. The World Cup has been a great experience but sadly the advice was wrong and the BOA have not accepted these results.

 

Ignoring these results how close was I?

I could qualify in 4 ways.

Firstly- by making a top 30 result at the World Cup.

I have very limited experience and my  best result is 38^th

Secondly- by being in the top 20 at the World Championships.

I was 21^st in the downhill on one of the toughest courses on the circuit!!

Thirdly- by being in the world top100 in any discipline.

I was ranked 102 in Super Combi,. 107 in Super G, and 117 in Downhill. I fact I was only 1.5 FIS points away from ranking 99 in SuperG.

Finally I needed to be placed in the top 20 of any European Cup race. In the last two weeks alone I have been within less than 1/3^rd of second of this qualifying standard

SO CLOSE but not there.

 

As you all know there has been major financial problems within SnowsportGB over the last year. This has led to cancelled training camps and on snow training, multiple difficulties and training time spent fund raising. Despite all our best efforts both the athletes and the coach’s performance has been affected by this. I have absolutely no doubt that if this had not been such a distraction that I would have made the tiny gains I needed to qualify for Vancouver. I remain the British number one in downhill and Super-combi but others will ski in the Olympics in these events –how frustrating.

 I keep telling myself that my main goal is to be a medal prospect in Sochi, in 2014 and that Vancouver was “for the experience” but I really never thought that I would not be there. It is so disappointing.

What next?

·        I need to focus on the next two World Championships in Garmisch and Schladming in 2011 and 2013 and then of course the next Olympics in Sochi in 2014.

·        The World Cup has a prestige within the sport that goes beyond the Olympics and I need to continue my journey around the circuit learning the hills and winning top 10 places there.

·        I need to ensure that I have enough funding to ensure that I can continue to develop as a serious player on the world cup circuit.  

It’s going to be hard over the next few weeks but I know that if I had been a fraction quicker then I would have made my team place.

My heartfelt thanks to all of you who have supported me over the past months and years. I appreciate your disappointment but let’s continue to believe.

Alpine skiing is a tough and dangerous sport but my ambitions are absolutely undimmed by this huge setback.

Dougie Crawford