PARTNERS // |
SUPPORTING CHAMPIONS
Dr. Ben Sporer, Canadian Sport Centre Pacific's lead Physiologist, on his experience with the men's & women's snowboard team for the past two years.
Q You’ve worked closely with the Canadian snowboard team for the last two years; what would you say made the difference in Canada’s preparation for these Games to produce so many outstanding performances?
A I think the biggest single factor was a renewed commitment to excellence. Right from the top, from funding, to coaches, to athletes, and even support staff, everyone had a commitment to winning and paying attention to all the small details that make a difference. Both PGS and SBX committed to improving their equipment, putting in the time to learn how to use it, focusing on their off snow training and recovery to handle the training loads, and planning to compete at the Olympic games. When the commitment and hard work is there on so many levels, the results usually follow.
Q What would you say is Canada’s “X-Factor” when it comes to SBX and PGS? What makes them so good?
A Hmmm… if I had to choose one it would have to be coaching. Marcel Mathieu (head coach) is arguably the best technical coach in SBX and Mark Fawcett has so many years experience coaching and competing in PGS.
Q The CTV commentators kept talking about what an advantage the Canadians had in each race thanks to their starts out of the gate; what do you think was the primary reason for their success?
A Honestly I think it comes back to the commitment of the athletes, coaches, and staff to focus on success at the Olympics. There was a World Cup last year at Cypress on the same course and the team really focused on being successful here. There were unique technical challenges and snow conditions, plus the athletes worked hard in the off season on their strength, power, and quickness.
Q How would you summarize your role on snowboard’s Integrated Support Team?
A My official title is IST Lead but my day to day duties revolve around planning, physiology, and heading up the sport science and medicine team.
Q What was it like to witness the medal performances in person?
A Unbelievable. Each of the races was like an emotional roller coaster with the highs and lows you feel. When Mike, Maelle, and finally Jasey Jay came across the finish line, there was this flood of emotion. All their hard work had paid off in an Olympic medal and you could see the realization in their eyes. As a lifelong fan of the Olympic games it was hard not to shed a few tears. For Jasey’s race I was right in the coach’s area and being one of the first to congratulate him was an amazing experience. Certainly unforgettable.
Q How do you feel about being an integral part of the team that supported Jasey Jay, Mike & Maelle’s preparation for the Games?
A I guess the best word is privileged. It really is an honour to work with such great coaches, athletes, and support staff and to do so in my home town on the biggest stage in sport with success was definitely a highlight for me.
Dr. Ben Sporer, Canadian Sport Centre Pacific's lead Physiologist, on his experience with the men's & women's snowboard team for the past two years.
Q You’ve worked closely with the Canadian snowboard team for the last two years; what would you say made the difference in Canada’s preparation for these Games to produce so many outstanding performances?
A I think the biggest single factor was a renewed commitment to excellence. Right from the top, from funding, to coaches, to athletes, and even support staff, everyone had a commitment to winning and paying attention to all the small details that make a difference. Both PGS and SBX committed to improving their equipment, putting in the time to learn how to use it, focusing on their off snow training and recovery to handle the training loads, and planning to compete at the Olympic games. When the commitment and hard work is there on so many levels, the results usually follow.
Q What would you say is Canada’s “X-Factor” when it comes to SBX and PGS? What makes them so good?
A Hmmm… if I had to choose one it would have to be coaching. Marcel Mathieu (head coach) is arguably the best technical coach in SBX and Mark Fawcett has so many years experience coaching and competing in PGS.
Q The CTV commentators kept talking about what an advantage the Canadians had in each race thanks to their starts out of the gate; what do you think was the primary reason for their success?
A Honestly I think it comes back to the commitment of the athletes, coaches, and staff to focus on success at the Olympics. There was a World Cup last year at Cypress on the same course and the team really focused on being successful here. There were unique technical challenges and snow conditions, plus the athletes worked hard in the off season on their strength, power, and quickness.
Q How would you summarize your role on snowboard’s Integrated Support Team?
A My official title is IST Lead but my day to day duties revolve around planning, physiology, and heading up the sport science and medicine team.
Q What was it like to witness the medal performances in person?
A Unbelievable. Each of the races was like an emotional roller coaster with the highs and lows you feel. When Mike, Maelle, and finally Jasey Jay came across the finish line, there was this flood of emotion. All their hard work had paid off in an Olympic medal and you could see the realization in their eyes. As a lifelong fan of the Olympic games it was hard not to shed a few tears. For Jasey’s race I was right in the coach’s area and being one of the first to congratulate him was an amazing experience. Certainly unforgettable.
Q How do you feel about being an integral part of the team that supported Jasey Jay, Mike & Maelle’s preparation for the Games?
A I guess the best word is privileged. It really is an honour to work with such great coaches, athletes, and support staff and to do so in my home town on the biggest stage in sport with success was definitely a highlight for me.
Ben with Silver Medallist Mike Robertson (Squamish)
Ben with Gold Medallist Maelle Ricker (North Vancouver)