Source: Radio New Zealand
Adam Hall will be competing in his sixth Winter Olympics in Milan this month. PHOTOSPORT
Sixth Paralympics in, Wānaka’s Adam Hall knows exactly how rare this moment is.
The 38-year-old para alpine skier is preparing for what will likely be his final Winter Paralympics in Italy. But for the first time in his decorated career, he’ll have a full family cheering squad on the sidelines.
Hall and fellow Kiwi Corey Peters make up New Zealand’s two-strong Paralympic team, and both head to the Italian Alps as genuine medal contenders. But for Hall, this campaign carries an extra layer of meaning.
Born with spina bifida, Hall burst onto the global stage with gold in the men’s standing slalom at Vancouver in 2010. Eight years later he reclaimed the title at PyeongChang, adding to a haul that also includes three Paralympic bronze medals.
Now, with nearly two-thirds of his life spent on snow, he said perspective comes easily.
He said he is full of gratitude for those around him, including team-mates and coaches, who have supported him. As for many top athletes though it is family who sacrifice most.
Hall’s seven year old daughter Gracelynn will watch her father race in person for the first time, alongside his wife Elitsa – herself a two-time US Winter Paralympian.
With travel restrictions during the last games because of Covid, Hall’s family and friends are making the most of seeing him in action this time.
“To have our daughter there watching is something special and she is at an age now where hopefully she’ll be able to remember that experience,” Hall told RNZ.
Adam Hall has been competing on the international stage for more than two decades. Photosport Ltd 2018 www.photosport.nz
Hall also has the in-laws, cousins and an old childhood mate from his days growing up in Outram among his supporters.
He calls the Kiwi Paralympic squad “a small but mighty team” who spend a lot of their time away from family and is hoping to reward them with another podium finish in Italy.
“I’m just missing a silver so we’ll see if we get the full set or not.”
His specialist event is the slalom but he’ll also line up in the giant slalom.
“The competition is so tight now and the margins are getting smaller and I’ve said this before that no matter what colour, if it’s a bronze or silver it feels just as good as gold.
“Can’t be too fussy about the colour but we do strive to be on top.”
Hall is familiar with the Italian Alps and closely followed the Winter Olympics with interest as he’ll be skiing on the same slopes around Cortina.
“For us we call the Olympics the test event, jokingly, they kind of iron everything out before the big show.”
The big show for Hall starts with the GS on March 13 followed by the Slalom on the 15th.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
