Our next spotlight is Gaelan Boyle-Wight of Telstar. He won the Class C Classical at Fort Kent and also won the MVC Classical. We asked him about his 
preparations, his favorite memories, and more.
1) What were your preparations leading up to the state meet?
In the long-term, my preparations leading up to the state meet were quite general, and training proceeded as normal. The short-term consists of the week leading up to the races. I was excited, but also nervous. By telling myself to stay cool and focus on my own health I was able to stay in a relaxed mode. Until the day of the races, of course. Besides that, I just focused on eating a lot of peanut butter.
2) How did you deal with the pressure and emotions that come along with competing in a state meet?
Of course I felt pressured to win the state meet; I had placed just off the podium last year in the classic race. I knew that the pressure that I might have felt from others was really just encouragement, and I used that to fuel my energy, and get myself hyped up. I controlled my nerves by just thinking about skiing, because that’s what it’s all about.
3) What was going through your mind at the start, especially at the freestyle pursuit start?
At the start of the classic race I had little idea how many other skiers would perform. Some of the teams I hadn’t raced since states last year. I knew that I am stronger in classic, and used that to keep my cool.
At the start of the freestyle pursuit I was almost calm. I was starting with Sam Holt, with whom I had been quite competitive in the MVC races. Knowing how competitive we were I was nervous beyond belief, but I didn’t let that get to me, and instead my mind wandered to the clock, my skis, the tracks, and to my poles in the snow, then the race began.
4) You won the MVC classical and class C classical, what do you contribute your great success to?
Throughout the season I focused on a few goals, one of which was winning the state races. Putting in the hours to bring myself to where I am was not only challenging, but also fun. It’s fun to be on skis, and doing something I love while becoming a better athlete is a great combination. I can contribute my success to enjoying myself, and doing what I enjoy most–skiing.
5) What are some of your best memories from the past season?
This season was a wild adventure, I had a great time hiking in the pre-season, and finding snow at the peaks. The team always had a grand time playing ‘frisski’, or frisbee on skis. It doesn’t seem like much exciting has happened, but I think that’s because there’s too much for me to sort it all out.
6) What are your plans/goals for next year?
I will attend a college/university, wherever I choose to commit. I hope to be able to ski wherever that is, perhaps run. As far as skiing is concerned, I hope to improve my strength, perhaps catch some of my friends who are just that much faster than me.
7) What are your favorite things about Nordic?
I love the freedom of Nordic. On skis you can go anywhere, providing there is suitable terrain. Being on skis is exhilarating, especially on those hills, they’re just too much fun.
8) Is there anything else that you would like to add?
I would like to thank all the people who have coached me throughout my life, from my most recent high school coaches to my sister, Carla, on the trails at the Sunday River Inn. I know that because of these people, skiing will remain a part of my life for all the years to come, and that is truly something I can look forward to.