Tim Burke (USA) ©US BA file photo
Just as last year, I ended my season on a good note and finished with my best two results of the season (8th and 9th) in the last two world cups. With a strong final two weeks, I was able to climb back into the top 30 and I ended the season ranked 25th in the overall world cup. After my sickness and lack of form during the beginning of the season, I was very happy to finish in 25th. Although it was great to climb back into the top 30, I definitely need to make some adjustments to have a better start if I want to reach my goal of finishing in the top-ten someday.
After every season my coaches and I go through a very thorough evaluation of the season. These evaluations are absolutely crucial to ensure that I progress as an athlete. I have made big jumps in the past three years but I will need to continue to improve in order to reach my goals. I have established myself as a solid top 30 racer on the world cup by finishing in the top 30 for the past three seasons. I have been knocking on the door of a podium finish for three years now and it’s time to take that next step. I am super motivated to improve and I have a great team supporting me. We will be working harder than ever this coming season to make that next jump!
With my results from this season I pre-qualified for next nears Olympic Games. This was really important for me because now I can concentrate 100% for my Olympic preparations and I don’t have to worry about qualifying for the team. Already all of my efforts, along with my coaches, are going towards having the best Olympics possible.
As for now, I have a couple more weeks of recovery with no scheduled training. These breaks in the spring are very important for both a physical and a mental break. I am enjoying my down time but I have to admit that I am already looking forward to getting back to work in a few weeks!