A day in the life… I mean gym

Want to know a little about the kind of training alpine skiers endure? I mean do? Here’s a video of a few days from training camp. I wasn’t there for every filming day but I’m in yellow when you see me.

June 9, 2010 at 12:59 pm | Uncategorized | No comment

Vancouver 2010: What a fantastic experience!

At the 2010 Olympics, I squeezed in time to watch a few of my fellow athletes compete between the practice runs leading up to my event. Then, up bright and early Sunday February 21 for Slalom, I finished 15th! Along with my results from the Downhill race I am now ranked 22nd in the world in Super Combined!!

I’m now staying with family just outside the Olympic Village. Family and friends have been a tremendous support throughout this whole process and it’s great hanging out and relaxing with them after competition.

After race day, my friends and family hosted a great meal, lots of toasts and presented me with a painting of a skier signed by everyone who showed up in Vancouver for support. After a great sleep, I can now enjoy the rest of the Games, events and night life before attending the Closing Ceremonies.

I’m flying back to Ottawa March 1st for some downtime, but until then, soaking up the Olympic atmosphere is priority number one!

February 26, 2010 at 7:24 am | Uncategorized | No comment

LANDED IN VANCOUVER – Let the games begin!

Finally here in Whistler! Arrived Monday, Feb 8th from training for a few days in Nakiska, Calgary. The team has rented 3 homes away from the Olympic Village so we can be well fed, well rested and focused.

We have a gym in one of the garages and our own amazing cook – 24/7 food! We also got our athlete’s “loot bag” of clothes and goodies.

Doing training runs today, Wednesday, Feb 10th on the Dave Murray course with 7 other athletes. Bib 72!

I’m looking forward to family arriving Friday and the Opening Ceremonies!

February 10, 2010 at 11:01 am | Uncategorized | No comment

Vancouver here I come!

The Canadian Olympic alpine ski team was announced Wednesday, January 27, 2010… and I’m on it!

It’s been a long road to get to this moment but it’s finally here.

Along with skiers such as Manuel Osborne-Paradis, Emily Brydon, Jan Hudec, Erik Guay, Michael Janyk, Robbie Dixon and Britt Janyk, the team is made up of 19 skiers, with a possible three more.

To read the full article about the announcement go here.

January 28, 2010 at 9:19 am | Uncategorized | No comment

Encouragement from Canderel

Ryan,
I have marveled at your comeback and the enthusiasm of all your
friends,family and supporters. Your performance speaks for itself ! Stay
focused and no doubt victory will be at your door. No matter what, know
that we are behind you and wish you all the success you so richly deserve.
You have earned your stripes. Let your mental strength,your experience and
your unwavering focus drive you to the finish line with the speed of a
super hero!

Good luck and I look forward to seeing you on the podium at the Olympics!

Warmest regards,
Jonathan Wener, C.M.
Canderel Management Inc.

January 27, 2010 at 9:07 am | Uncategorized | No comment

Ryan Semple Quick Stats

FULL NAME: Ryan Semple
NICKNAME: Semps
BIRTHPLACE: Montréal, Québec
GREW UP: Ottawa & Tremblant
HEIGHT: 6'0"
WEIGHT: 190 lbs
HOBBIES: Car racing, golf, music

Ryan Semple Quick Stats

FULL NAME: Ryan Semple

NICKNAME: Semps

BIRTHPLACE: Montréal, Québec

GREW UP: Ottawa & Tremblant

HEIGHT: 6'0"

WEIGHT: 190 lbs

HOBBIES: Car racing, hockey, basketball, fishing and golf

FAVORITE FOOD: My mom's

FAVORITE DRINK: Good tequila

FAVORITE MUSIC: Anything by the Red Hot Chili Peppers

FAVORTITE MOVIE: The Matrix

FAVORITE ACTOR/ACTRESS: Clive Owen

FAVORITE BIB #: 1

FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATION:
Any beach after the ski season

FAVORITE COLOR: Black - classic

CHARACTER: Energetic, adventurous, outgoing; fun to be around, always up for an adventure.

BIGGEST SUCCESSES IN RACING: Having qualified for the National Team this year racing by myself, without a coach and tuning my own skis. Completely self funded. I set goals and achieved them!

FIRST WORLD CUP RACE: SL in Madonna di Campiglio, 2001

PREFERRED TYPE OF SKI CONDITIONS: Icy snow conditions that stay consistent. A fair race for everyone.

FAVORITE WORLD CUP LOCATION: Kitzbühel. It has the most history and support for skiing.

GOALS FOR THE 09/10 SEASON: To be a contender for an Olympic medal and cut my world ranking in half.

SELF-RATING FOR THE 08/09 SEASON: It was a success. I was unable to compete in the WC so I made the most of the North American circuit.

LONG-TERM GOALS IN RACING: To become a consistent top 10 slalom skier and allow myself the chance to win every race.

INJURIES: two hip surgeries in the past three years.

SKIING MEANS: Passion, dedication, freedom

WHEN I ONE DAY LOOK BACK ON MY LIFE I WOULD LIKE TO BE ABLE TO SAY: I'm proud of what I accomplished and have no regrets about the choices I made.