Oliver Young of Vernon is one of four male athletes chosen for the BC Development Ski Team. (Photo credit: Derek Trussler)

By Pete McIntyre

rising star

Vernon skier sets goals on Olympics, World Cup

Aug 4, 2022 | 7:00 AM

A Vernon skier is setting his sights on one day racing on the World Cup circuit and representing Canada at the Olympics.

Oliver Young is one of four male athletes chosen for the BC Development Ski Team which allows him to train year-round and represent the province.

Young, who was born in Edmonton in 2004, has been blazing down the slopes for seven years.

“I started ski racing at the age of 10 and was immediately passionate for the sport. Having started at a later age than other kids, I became dedicated in working hard to improve. After two years with the Parkland Racers Ski Club and the Edmonton Ski Club, my family moved to British Columbia where I joined the Vernon Ski Club,” said Young.

Young is currently ranked 13th in slalom and eighth in Super-G for his age in Canada, and first in slalom for B.C.

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“I’m very excited to return to the national championships next year where I hope to be at the top of the podium,” he stated.

Oliver Young racing down the slopes. (Photo credit: Derek Trussler)

As a member of the B.C. team, Young trains with other athletes and coaches in Whistler, Chile, and Europe throughout the summer and fall, and will be able to compete in the North American Championships in the winter.

The recent Kalamalka Secondary grad, who currently splits his time between Coldstream and Vernon, said the purpose of the BC Team is to develop athletes to the Canadian national team and he is thrilled to have the opportunity.

“My goal for the past five years has been to qualify for the BC Team and now that I’m there, I can set my goals higher; to ultimately make the Canadian Alpine Ski Team, to race on the World Cup Tour and furthermore, represent Canada at the Olympics,” said Young.

Young said he has worked during the summers since he was 13 to help pay some of his racing costs, but this year he’s not able to work as much due to training away.

“Training and racing with the BC Ski Team is an incredible opportunity that is supported by government funding and team sponsors, but there is still a large sum that the athletes/families are responsible for, as well as equipment costs. My goal is to raise $20,000 that will cover a large portion of these fees.”

At last update, Young had raised close to $8,000 towards his $20,000 goal.

You can find out more about the campaign at MakeAChamp.

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