In a crushing blow to his campaign to qualify for all five events at the Paralympic Games in March, Michael missed the mark in the Super G race today in Steinach, Austria.
This was his one-and-only chance to qualify for not only the Paralympic Games but also the World Cup races for the speed disciplines which provide althletes an opprtunity to improve their rankings and chances of selection. Sadly, Michael he will have to watch from the sidelines.
“Thanks to my crash a few days ago and my broken ski, I wasn’t in the best shape physically, mentally or gear-wise. I was determined to race but I was really at a disadvantage from the start.
“I was happy with my race, given the limitations. I did all I could but it wasn’t enough. I always rally and improve for the second race so I thought I was still in with a chance but then the second race was cancelled. My average over the two may have got me over the line but, with just the first race to use as the average, I had little chance of making it,” explained Michael.
Opportunities to qualify in speed events before the Games are limited. There are no more speed events in Europe before Christmas when Michael returns home to Australia. Two single races – one in Europe and another in the US – present some challenges.
“An extra trip is not in the budget. At any rate, either race could be cancelled due to bad weather so it’s a risk. It is something I will have to discuss with my family over Christmas,” said Michael.
Michael has already qualified for the Paralympic Games in two events – Giant Slalom and Slalom.