Hi, this is Fred Wallace with ” Off the Wire “, brought to you by Hal Wright Chevrolet-Cadillac-GMC-Buick on the Sunset Strip in Owen Sound.
In one of the most remarkable sports stories I’ve ever known, Owen Sound skier Larisa Yurkiw is off to the Olympic Games.
After a 6th place finish in a World Cup race Saturday in Austria, Alpine Canada confirmed that Yurkiw will in fact compete in Russia.
This accomplishment is exceptional on so many levels.
First, to simply get to the Olympic Games in a sport like Alpine Skiing is a lifetime achievement.
How many Owen Sounders have ever competed at the Olympics in an individual pursuit ? I know of none, and I’m certain the number of those I’ve missed here is pretty slim.
But more inspiring is the obstacles Yurkiw weaved around to get there.
Less than a year ago, Alpine Canada deemed her essentially unworthy of supporting, citing results below expectations for the cut.
Unwilling to accept the decision fully, Yurkiw refused to see her dreams dashed
And while she’ll tell you she had plenty of help, at the heart of this story is an inspiring solo mission that personifies the power of self belief and never giving up on what you hold dear.
Larisa Yurkiw could win a Gold Medal at the Olympic Games next month.
She’s a longshot, no question.
But from my perspective, the gold medal story has already been written over the last 10 months.
I’m Fred Wallace.