Double state champion Fiona Ahearne of Maine Coast Waldorf continued her success and her team's success at the Class C State Meet at Black Mtn. Fiona won both the classical
and freestyle races and her team won by more than 50 points to claim the state championship. We caught up with Fiona and asked her about her successes and her goals.
1) What were your preparations leading up to the state meet?
You could say my preparations started with roller skiing in July, but more specifically to States, I concentrated on staying healthy and getting plenty of sleep.
2) How did you deal with the pressure and emotions that come along with competing in a state meet?
I was especially nervous for the Skate race, since I really wanted to reclaim my title, but I did my best to convert my nervous energy into adrenaline for the race. And I think some of it may have rubbed of on my teammates!
3) What is your favorite thing about ski racing?
The camaraderie that comes with the sport, no question. I love hearing all the parents cheering together with cowbells, and competing against some of my best friends is always fun. The fact that we can sprint each other to the finish line, collapse in exhaustion, and help each other up again a few minutes later, while laughing about how horribly miserable the last to two kilometers were, is pretty remarkable. Nordic is the only sport I’ve witnessed that can host such incredible sportsmanship.
4) Coming into the season, what were your goals and did you achieve them?
I set specific goals as well as general technique goals. I was very happy to achieve my specific placement goals (podium at Sassi and win States) and my technique definitely improved, but I still have a lot of work to do in future seasons.
5) You won both the freestyle and classical state titles: what do you contribute this success to?
So many things. My family, for one, has supported me since I started skiing. My school has provided enthusiasm and support for the sport since 2nd grade, when my entire class had to bring skis to PE. I’ve had incredibly supportive coaches over the years, and especially this past season, I feel I’ve had an entire staff of support! From James Upham, who I worked with over the summer, to Emily, Seth and Justin, my MWSC coaches, to my school coaches, John and Sam, I could never have asked for better individuals to guide me in my training and share their passion for the sport. I’ve also had amazing teammates who are consistently encouraging and challenge me to work hard. Besides the fabulous people who made my success possible, I would credit my innate competitive spirit and and love for the sport.