Appointed two years ago as the lead coach for Paralympic skiers Adam Hall and Corey Peters, interestingly Daniel says he wouldn’t have taken on the role if the two skiers weren’t so experienced.
“Between them, Adam and Corey share nine Paralympic medals – three golds, two silvers and four bronzes – and an extraordinary amount of experience, spanning five and three Paralympics respectively,” says Daniel.
“Their success and longevity are testament to not only their talent on the slope but also amazing professionalism and highly capable communication skills.”
Recently returned from the northern hemisphere international season, Daniel reflects on Adam and Corey’s successful albeit very different campaigns.
“Adam had a very successful season, taking out 2nd in the Globes, the recognition for the best overall athletes of the season. This is the first time he’s taken out a Globe in 15 years and reflects the technical work we have been focussing on to make small but significant gains and ensuring a greater level of consistent performance.”
Corey’s campaign had a different focus. “This was his first year returning to international competition following shoulder surgery after Beijing so our priority was to re-establish the routines of travel, training and competition, to build his confidence which would then result in greater speed, the key to success in his sit ski disciplines. His performances were definitely improving throughout the season, including a third place.”
Daniel is drawing on his experience as a ski instructor trainer and using his able-bodied lens to identify what good ski performance looks like. “What I’ve had to learn is how to apply my knowledge and experience to adaptive skiing. What can they and can’t they do? How can we do gym sessions and physio to help changes, and more. That’s where Adam and Corey’s experience has been so important.”
With just under nine months to go Daniel says his focus for each of his athletes is quite different.
“Corey’s preparation revolves around the need to take opportunities to get more training mileage under his belt which in turn will continue to build his confidence and comfort at high speed. We’re looking at going to Chile to train on some longer, faster courses for his Super G event.”
Because the Cortina course is pretty flat, the preparation focus with Adam is adjusting his technique so he can ski faster on flatter courses.
Both skiers will do a November to Christmas training block which will include two races for Adam and four to five races for Corey. A brief break at home for Christmas and then it’s back overseas by early January.
The final build up phase will see them compete in more races, a bigger training block and a brief break before heading to a holding camp near Cortina ahead of the Paralympic Winter Games opening ceremony on 6 March.
