“Trust yourself.”
Fil-Am alpine skier Asa Miller received this piece of advise from his coach Will Gregorak as the former plunges into action in his second and last event — the men’s slalom — today at the Ice River track.
“Trust your feet and trust yourself as the skier you are,” Mr. Gregorak told the 21-year-old two-time Olympian during training runs on Tuesday. “It’s similar to what I told you before — the best you can possibly ski on race day is to ski like yourself.”
At press time, the start list has yet to be released but Mr. Miller is expected to be all out to redeem himself from a disappointing performance in the giant slalom on Sunday when he had a DNF (did not finish).
The first run is set at 10 a.m., and if Mr. Miller, whose trip is being bankrolled by the Philippine Sports Commission chaired by William Ramirez, completes it, he will join the second run at 1 p.m.
Mr. Miller will face an ultra-competitive field headed by four-time Olympian Dave Ryding of Great Britain.
Other competitors to watch out for are World Cup veteran Lucas Braathen of Norway, 2017 world champion Manuel Ferrer of Austria, 2018 world junior champion Noel Clement of France, and Pyeongchang 2018 Olympics team event gold medalist Daniel Yule of Great Britain.
For Mr. Miller to be successful, Mr. Gregorak said the former must overcome his fears.
“You’re not going to become another person, and you are already an excellent skier,” said Mr. Gregorak.
“All you have to do is find the feeling that you already know. When you get into the gate, it’s just you and the course. Go and have some fun by making your best turn.” — Joey Villar
