When I was 3 years old I looked up at the ski jumps at Canada Olympic Park and told my mom, “I want to go off those”. Little did I know it would spark an 18-year long journey in the pursuit of becoming one of the best Nordic Combined athletes in the world. Though this journey did not come without speed bumps and adversity. I have always believed that with hard work and a dream I would be able to beat the odds and be the Canadian that was able to beat the system and have success at the highest level of the sport, and though I was able to have some success, I feel that I have reached a point in my career where I feel it is no longer possible to reach the next level without the support and help that I have never received. With this realization, I have made the most difficult decision to retire. I love the sport with all my heart, and the journey It’s taken me on lessons it taught me, and people it has allowed me to meet will stay with me for the rest of my life. It has shaped who I am as a person, and will forever be a part of my identity. But every year continuing in sport has gotten more difficult, to the point where I find myself thinking how much a competition costs me, as to how much I enjoy doing it. It has started to become just as much about money, financial and situational restrictions, and less about what I fell in love with about the sport which is pushing yourself to the limit, the constant pursuit of improvement, and the thrill of competing for your nation on the world stage.
Though I did not reach all of my goals, I have been able to represent my country for the past 10 years at 2 world Championships, Youth Olympic Games, World Cups, Grand Prix’s, and Continental Cups. I was able to Score multiple COC points, and Grand Prix points, and a youth Olympic Bronze medal, something that few Canadians have ever achieved.
None of this would not have been possible without the help, generosity, and support from others, thank you:
To the many coaches I have had throughout my long career, I want to thank you for your belief in me, and for pushing me through all of the hard times, and all of the lessons you’ve taught me. Especially to Chris Jefferies, and Allison Macardle who in the last 3 years have taken my skiing to a level and standard I wasn’t sure I was capable of. And to Gasper Bartol, my coach, and my friend. Where do I even begin? You have taken my level to heights that few ever believed possible, including myself. You believed in me when few did, and you sacrificed so much to allow me to compete all around the world and took me to my best ever results and success. There are no words to truly describe how impossible the last 3 years would have been without your help, and support, and I am so grateful for all that you have done.
To all of the families that have helped me, whether it be allowing me to stay with you during a competition or training camp, picking me up when I am down and far away from home, and caring for me like I was one of your own. There are so many of you out there and without your help and support, I would have never been able to get to here.
To my sponsors who invested in me, and gave me an opportunity to represent them internationally, I thank you for believing in my journey and providing me with the essentials to compete in such a demanding sport.
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To other nations, and FIS Nordic Combined. The amount of support I have received from other nations has largely been a reason I continued so long in my pursuit. From helping with ski service during a competition to letting me jump with you on the hill when I had no coach, from helping with travel, accommodation, or letting me join in on a training session. The support I have received from other nations in this sport is overwhelming, and I am forever grateful that there are so many in this amazing community that are willing to help out the lonely Canadian. To the people of FIS Nordic Combined who have always encouraged me to keep pushing, and shown me so much support and encouragement it has always been a motivational boost, and even on the worst of days having a FIS official congratulate me at the finish line has gotten me through so much.
To my countless teammates, from Canadians like Nigel Lauchlun, and Matthew Soukup and the Alberta World Cup Academy, to those from other nations. I have had the opportunity to train with amazing athletes from all around the world, who have pushed me, influenced me and taught me so much. To Jasper good, Adam Loomis, Ben Loomis, Stephen Schuman, Ben Berend, Taylor Fletcher, Bryan Fletcher, Grant Andrews, Nina Lussi and countless others from the USA, who have treated me as one of their own, and always encouraged me, welcomed me and supported me since I was 9 years old and first came to the US. We have been on so many adventures and journeys, and I will cherish the memories forever.
To Wesley Savil, who has been a teammate, mentor, idol, coach, manager, etc. etc. etc. You’ve taught me so much over the years, from when I was just a tiny hopper and you helped me tie my jump boots, to now where I know you’re always there when I need to talk. I’ve always looked to you as inspiration and guidance, and you’ve always been there for me.
To my girlfriend, Julie, who when we first met I was still recovering from my brain injury, and helped me get back to being an athlete there really is no way to thank you. You’ve supported me through everything, the good days and the bad, the hard times and the months I’ve been gone. You’ve helped me get through so much, and always pushed and encouraged me even though I know it was hard for you to see me leave. You’ve sacrificed so much for me to be able to pursue sport, and knowing that no matter the result, having you to tell me that I did amazing, and you were proud of me has always gotten me back on my feet. I love you.
And of course, to my parents and family. From when I was that 3 years old in a car seat saying I wanted to go off those ski jumps, you have made all of this possible. From carrying my skis up the jump when I was 6, to traveling the world to cheer me on, absolutely none of this would have been possible without your love and support. And i'm sorry for all of the family vacations and events I’ve missed. I will make up for them now, I promise.
I will always be grateful that I have been able to have this opportunity that so few are able to have. Though I didn’t reach all of the goals I dreamt of, the experiences, friends, and lessons I have learned far outweigh any result I could ever achieve. The sport will forever be a part of my life, and I know that this is not the end of my involvement. As one journey ends, another begins, my plan is to begin my post-secondary education with the hopes of working as a physiotherapist or chiropractor. So many have helped me with injuries and kept my body running. I hope to be able to provide future athletes with the help and support I received (talking ‘bout you Aaron!). I also hope to be involved with the future of Nordic Combined in Canada. I hope and believe I will not be the last Canadian Nordic Combined athlete, there are still many young jumpers out there looking for a new facility to call home. I plan to help make that possible and allow these athletes to continue to grow as the future of the sport, and hopefully begin to help organizations such as Canadian Sport Institution, and Own the Podium, realize how development in sport, and longevity will have a greater impact on results, then just supporting the few at the top.
Thank you to all who have made this journey possible, I look forward to the future, and will hold onto all of the amazing memories from the past!
Though I did not reach all of my goals, I have been able to represent my country for the past 10 years at 2 world Championships, Youth Olympic Games, World Cups, Grand Prix’s, and Continental Cups. I was able to Score multiple COC points, and Grand Prix points, and a youth Olympic Bronze medal, something that few Canadians have ever achieved.
None of this would not have been possible without the help, generosity, and support from others, thank you:
To the many coaches I have had throughout my long career, I want to thank you for your belief in me, and for pushing me through all of the hard times, and all of the lessons you’ve taught me. Especially to Chris Jefferies, and Allison Macardle who in the last 3 years have taken my skiing to a level and standard I wasn’t sure I was capable of. And to Gasper Bartol, my coach, and my friend. Where do I even begin? You have taken my level to heights that few ever believed possible, including myself. You believed in me when few did, and you sacrificed so much to allow me to compete all around the world and took me to my best ever results and success. There are no words to truly describe how impossible the last 3 years would have been without your help, and support, and I am so grateful for all that you have done.
To all of the families that have helped me, whether it be allowing me to stay with you during a competition or training camp, picking me up when I am down and far away from home, and caring for me like I was one of your own. There are so many of you out there and without your help and support, I would have never been able to get to here.
To my sponsors who invested in me, and gave me an opportunity to represent them internationally, I thank you for believing in my journey and providing me with the essentials to compete in such a demanding sport.
2
To other nations, and FIS Nordic Combined. The amount of support I have received from other nations has largely been a reason I continued so long in my pursuit. From helping with ski service during a competition to letting me jump with you on the hill when I had no coach, from helping with travel, accommodation, or letting me join in on a training session. The support I have received from other nations in this sport is overwhelming, and I am forever grateful that there are so many in this amazing community that are willing to help out the lonely Canadian. To the people of FIS Nordic Combined who have always encouraged me to keep pushing, and shown me so much support and encouragement it has always been a motivational boost, and even on the worst of days having a FIS official congratulate me at the finish line has gotten me through so much.
To my countless teammates, from Canadians like Nigel Lauchlun, and Matthew Soukup and the Alberta World Cup Academy, to those from other nations. I have had the opportunity to train with amazing athletes from all around the world, who have pushed me, influenced me and taught me so much. To Jasper good, Adam Loomis, Ben Loomis, Stephen Schuman, Ben Berend, Taylor Fletcher, Bryan Fletcher, Grant Andrews, Nina Lussi and countless others from the USA, who have treated me as one of their own, and always encouraged me, welcomed me and supported me since I was 9 years old and first came to the US. We have been on so many adventures and journeys, and I will cherish the memories forever.
To Wesley Savil, who has been a teammate, mentor, idol, coach, manager, etc. etc. etc. You’ve taught me so much over the years, from when I was just a tiny hopper and you helped me tie my jump boots, to now where I know you’re always there when I need to talk. I’ve always looked to you as inspiration and guidance, and you’ve always been there for me.
To my girlfriend, Julie, who when we first met I was still recovering from my brain injury, and helped me get back to being an athlete there really is no way to thank you. You’ve supported me through everything, the good days and the bad, the hard times and the months I’ve been gone. You’ve helped me get through so much, and always pushed and encouraged me even though I know it was hard for you to see me leave. You’ve sacrificed so much for me to be able to pursue sport, and knowing that no matter the result, having you to tell me that I did amazing, and you were proud of me has always gotten me back on my feet. I love you.
And of course, to my parents and family. From when I was that 3 years old in a car seat saying I wanted to go off those ski jumps, you have made all of this possible. From carrying my skis up the jump when I was 6, to traveling the world to cheer me on, absolutely none of this would have been possible without your love and support. And i'm sorry for all of the family vacations and events I’ve missed. I will make up for them now, I promise.
I will always be grateful that I have been able to have this opportunity that so few are able to have. Though I didn’t reach all of the goals I dreamt of, the experiences, friends, and lessons I have learned far outweigh any result I could ever achieve. The sport will forever be a part of my life, and I know that this is not the end of my involvement. As one journey ends, another begins, my plan is to begin my post-secondary education with the hopes of working as a physiotherapist or chiropractor. So many have helped me with injuries and kept my body running. I hope to be able to provide future athletes with the help and support I received (talking ‘bout you Aaron!). I also hope to be involved with the future of Nordic Combined in Canada. I hope and believe I will not be the last Canadian Nordic Combined athlete, there are still many young jumpers out there looking for a new facility to call home. I plan to help make that possible and allow these athletes to continue to grow as the future of the sport, and hopefully begin to help organizations such as Canadian Sport Institution, and Own the Podium, realize how development in sport, and longevity will have a greater impact on results, then just supporting the few at the top.
Thank you to all who have made this journey possible, I look forward to the future, and will hold onto all of the amazing memories from the past!
Were getting close to winter! Training this summer has been awesome, I'm working with a new team Cross Country team based in Canada, and new jumping coach from Slovenia. Things seem to be on track as I reached a career high Summer Grand Prix result of 33rd place. Now it's just a matter of being able to keep to momentum into the winter!
The annual budget for the German Nordic Combined A team is roughly 2.5 Million, my budget is whatever I can earn through part time work, and whatever my parents are able to contribute. Nordic Combined is one of the only Winter Sports in Canada that does not receive any financial support from organizations such as Own The Podium, Canadian Sports Institution, or Government carding spots.
Annual Expenses
Travel Fees $17,000 (flights, accommodation, transport to events)
Equipment Fees $3000
Coaching Fees $2000 (hiring jump coach for training camp or competition weekend)
Living Expenses $12,000
AWCA Fees $4200 (training plan and Cross Country Technic Coaching)
Total: $38,200
Visit the "donate" page up top to send a safe donation. Donations will come with a thank you letter and signed autograph card with personal message. Please provide Mailing address and email address. Thank you so much for taking the time to visit my site!
The annual budget for the German Nordic Combined A team is roughly 2.5 Million, my budget is whatever I can earn through part time work, and whatever my parents are able to contribute. Nordic Combined is one of the only Winter Sports in Canada that does not receive any financial support from organizations such as Own The Podium, Canadian Sports Institution, or Government carding spots.
Annual Expenses
Travel Fees $17,000 (flights, accommodation, transport to events)
Equipment Fees $3000
Coaching Fees $2000 (hiring jump coach for training camp or competition weekend)
Living Expenses $12,000
AWCA Fees $4200 (training plan and Cross Country Technic Coaching)
Total: $38,200
Visit the "donate" page up top to send a safe donation. Donations will come with a thank you letter and signed autograph card with personal message. Please provide Mailing address and email address. Thank you so much for taking the time to visit my site!
NewsCheck out my new Vlog Series below. Come and see what its like to be a high performance Nordic Combined Athlete
Had and awesome weekend competing at the FIS Summer Grand Prix in Slovenia this weekend. I managed to finish in a personal best of 33rd place! This is a good result and i'm happy to see some improvements going into the winter!
Competing in Planica SLO this weekend! A massive field this weekend with 57 Competitors. Excited for the races to start!
Racing in Lahti at the FIS World Ski Championships!
A huge thank you to Riitta Laitinen at Riella clothing!! My under suit needed repairs before this evenings competition and after bringing it in she offered to make me a completely new one. It only took her 3 hrs and the price was very affordable. The quality of the under suit is perfect and fits just as well! If you're even in Kuopio I highly recommend seeing her for a new under suit!
Im really enjoying training and am more motivated then ever right now. The days are long and lots of hours but im just happy to be able to work hard and improve!
Thank you to all the new sponsors helping to make competing possible!
Finally got to ride my bike since my fall. I was only able to ride for 15 minutes but progress is progress!
Hi everyone! im currently in Europe on a training campHappy to be back in Steamboat Springs CO for the summer with a new team, and new environment. Right now im training hard and looking forward to the upcoming Summer Grand Prix this august in Europe! Stay tuned for results from the annual Springer Tourne in Park City Utah!
Hello Everyone!!!
Just letting everyone know that im still doing alright. I am currently working and training at home while waiting to move back down the the U.S. again. Things have been pretty tough, but i am determined to push through all the difficulties i am facing with Nordic Combined A succesful end to the season finishing Second at the 2014 Aviva Canadian National Championships in Whistler BC!
Had an amazing time in Shochi for the Olympics, now im back home and waiting for the final race of the season in Whistler BC
Hey everyone, i am currently in Sochi Russia forerunning the 2014 Winter Olympic Games!
Here at the 2014 Junior World Championships in Predazzo Italy. 70 Competitors are in the Nordic Combined Event which is happening thursday. Stay tuned for results and news!
Currently training in Planica Slovania before moving on to Italy for World Junior Championships
It was nice to be competing in front of a home crowd here in Calgary at the New Years Competition. Unfortunately the Race was cancelled due to wind but had an awesome Ski Jumping Competition finishing behind Ski Jumping National Team member Trevor Morrice!
Not a great start to the Winter season finishing in 40th and 39th at the Continental Cup opener in Park City Utah. Though overall i was not happy with my result, i know that i have the ability to do much better. I am looking forward to the next competition in Villach Austria!
Feels awesome to be jumping again! Finally got to get some sessions in on snow, and getting a feel for the hill again. My confidence is back and I cant wait until the competition season starts!
Im back in Colorado and training full time again. It has been snowing non stop so we were finally able to get some skiing done. Glad to be back in my home away from home.
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Check out Where I am in the World on the Map Below
Summer Training is going great! Currently working with the Alberta World Cup Academy in Canmore AB. Nice to have Canadian Teammates for a change!
Points!!! Finally on the world ranking list!!! one of my lifetime goals achieved!!!Racing to a seasons best of 35th today! Such an amazing day here in Eisenerz AUT!
Training Hard in Kanderstag Switzerland
Hanging in Lahti Finland for media interviews and meeting with new sponsors
Hello everyone, i am currently training in Canmore AB on the Frozen Thunder track. Soon i will be heading back to Steamboat Springs CO to start training again with the US development team
We’re excited to kick off the fall season by welcoming @Mackenzie_News to the @SnowSportsCA team. Learn more ->http://www.snowsportscanada.ca/mackenzie-investments-fuels-passion-canadian-snow-sports/ #WeOwnSnow
After a windy training day jumping in Steamboat Springs CO, Nathaniel Mah suffered a broken Collar bone and was put into surgery. He will return back home to Calgary for recovery then return back to Steamboat to continue his training.
Hi everyone, i am currently in Hawaii for a family vacation. Im still training hard knowing that World Junior Championships is right around the corner.
A Successful start to the season after Winning the Ski Jumping at the annual Winter Start Competition in Steamboat Springs CO. Next were off to Park City for the Continental Cup opener.
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