Para Climbing Approved for LA28 Paralympics: Expanding the Games’ Sporting Horizon
The IPC Governing Board has approved LA28’s proposal to include Para climbing in the 2028 Paralympic Games, expanding the sports lineup to 23 events. This decision follows a rigorous evaluation process involving 33 sports, with Para climbing making its debut alongside established disciplines. Andrew Parsons, IPC President, highlighted the sport’s appeal and LA28’s pioneering move in proposing an additional sport. Marco Scolaris, IFSC President, expressed gratitude for Para climbing’s inclusion, underscoring its global impact and the opportunity for Para athletes to shine on a prestigious stage. LA28 Chair Casey Wasserman emphasized Los Angeles’ inclusive spirit as ideal for hosting the Paralympics, celebrating the sport’s addition to showcase diversity and excellence.
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Beyond the Board: A Glimpse into Cannon Cummins’ Off-Season Adventures
Cannon Cummins has been making waves lately, from his home in Washington to far beyond the Pacific Northwest, proving he’s a rising star in the next generation of snowboarders. Known for his laid-back demeanor both on and off the board, Cannon’s ascent in the scene has been smooth and steady over the past few years. His relaxed approach, combined with undeniable talent, has captured the attention of snowboarding enthusiasts and major brands alike.
This past year, Cannon’s career took a significant leap as he was picked up by industry giants such as Red Bull and Volcom. His inclusion in the Gnu family further solidified his status as a prominent figure in the snowboarding community. These endorsements are a testament to his skill, charisma, and the promise he holds for the future of the sport.
Recently, I had the opportunity to catch up with Cannon via a quick FaceTime call to see what he has been up to during the off-season. What followed was a fascinating conversation that veered away from snowboarding, offering a glimpse into Cannon’s multifaceted life. We delved into topics that reveal more about the person behind the snowboarder, shedding light on his interests and lifestyle when he’s not carving up the slopes.
One of the highlights of our chat was Cannon’s enthusiasm for his new dirt bike. He shared how riding gives him a different kind of thrill and serves as a perfect off-season activity to keep his adrenaline levels high. Additionally, we discussed his favorite summer drink, a refreshing concoction that perfectly complements his laid-back persona.
In an unexpected turn, Cannon revealed that he gets his hair cut by none other than Oprah’s favorite stylist. This tidbit added a layer of intrigue to our conversation, showing that even in the world of extreme sports, there’s always room for a touch of glamour.
Throughout our conversation, Cannon’s genuine and relaxed nature shone through. It’s clear that while he takes his snowboarding career seriously, he also knows how to enjoy life and embrace the experiences that come his way. As we wrapped up our call, I couldn’t help but feel excited about what’s next for Cannon Cummins. With his talent, charm, and the backing of some of the biggest names in the industry, he’s undoubtedly someone to watch in the coming years.
Strap in for an engaging dive into the world of Cannon Cummins, where we explore the off-season pursuits and personal interests of this rising snowboarding star. – Ely Campeanu
Source:
https://www.snowboarder.com/featured/cannon-cummins-off-season-check-in-june-2024?utm_source=pushly
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Dan Guest Leads Team to Break British Skydiving Record with 60 Jumps in a Day
Dan Guest, a champion skydiver, has led his team to break a British record by completing the most jumps from a plane in a single day. Alongside four others, they achieved 60 jumps between 09:00 BST and 18:30 at Skydive Langar in Nottinghamshire. The 32-year-old from Bristol explained they had to complete each skydive within 11 minutes to surpass his father Andy’s record of 50 jumps set in 2022 during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
The record-breaking team of five flew in a Cessna 206 aircraft for the attempt and were supported by a crew to help repack their parachutes.
Joining Dan Guest, the new record-holders are James Round, 42, from Milton Keynes, Mikey Lovemore, 44, from Devon, Elise Sharp, 33, and Martin Roberson, 34, both from London.
Mr. Guest, who began skydiving at 16 and became a national champion, has represented Great Britain at multiple world events.
Source:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cw44pdd18e3o
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At 85 and 688 Jumps, Emmons Knor Aims for Gold Wings and Inspires Others to Take the Leap
Knor says the excitement never fades as she prepares for her 689th jump. At the time of this posting, she has logged 688 jumps.
Her first jump, recorded in her logbook, was 65 years ago when she was 20. Hundreds of jumps later, she’s aiming for 1,000. “A thousand is what I need for Gold Wings, and back in 1959, when I started jumping, Gold Wings epitomized success,” said Emmons Knor.
Hooked after her first jump, she joined the first United States Women’s Parachute Team in 1962, winning gold. “To stand under the American flag and get a gold, it’s really something,” Knor said, choking up.
While recalling some of her fondest memories, Emmons Knor turns to the present day in Ray, Michigan, at Midwest Freefall Skydiving. Her trip here comes just days after multiple jumps in Ohio, but she’s had to wait for the weather to clear up. “To me, it’s part of it, and because I’m retired, you know, tomorrow’s another day,” Knor said about awaiting jump 689.
The 85-year-old skydiver also shared advice for those considering the sport. “If you’ve raised your children and grandchildren, don’t just sit around watching TV or going out for lunch. Get outside, do something to keep the blood moving, and you’ll be healthier, eat better, sleep better—and jump out of airplanes,” she said.
Source:
https://abc17news.com/cnn-regional/2024/07/01/85-year-old-skydiver-chases-1000-jumps/
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From Cycling to Skiing: The Grueling Journeys of the Tour de France and Tour de Ski
On Saturday, June 29, the top cyclists will start the 2024 Tour de France from Florence, Italy, embarking on a three-week journey covering 200 km of hilly or mountainous terrain each day. This grueling race serves as a model for the Tour de Ski, a winter equivalent where cross-country skiers face similar intense challenges. The idea for the Tour de Ski originated in a sauna conversation between Olympic Gold medalist Vegard Ulvang and Jürg Capol, FIS head of cross-country ski competitions.
While most people celebrate the holidays with loved ones, World Cup cross-country ski racers train for the Tour de Ski, a seven-day stage race spanning multiple countries and Alpine ski venues from New Year’s Eve to the first weekend in January. Launched in 2006 to attract athletes during a high TV viewership period in Europe, the Tour de Ski offers generous World Cup points, a purse of nearly $1 million, and prestigious recognition, ensuring top skiers participate in this demanding week of consecutive racing and traveling.
Source:
https://fasterskier.com/2024/06/tour-de-france-or-tour-de-ski-why-not-both/
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Farewell to Dive Point Red Sea: Celebrating 32 Years of Underwater Adventures and Cherished Memories
After three decades of exhilarating diving experiences and unforgettable encounters, Dive Point Red Sea, led by Regina and Matthias, will close its doors in June 2024, marking the end of an era in the diving community.
The decision to close the dive base comes with a tinge of melancholy, as the past 32 years haven’t just been about business but a culmination of life stories, bubbling enthusiasm, and a salty camaraderie forged through shared experiences beneath the waves.
Special recognition is extended to the dedicated staff whose unwavering commitment, passion, and warmth have been the heartbeat of Dive Point Red Sea. Their tireless efforts have woven the fabric of the dive center’s identity, shaping it into a welcoming sanctuary for diving enthusiasts.
Acknowledging the significance of their loyal patrons, Dive Point Red Sea expressed deep gratitude in a recent Facebook post to their regulars who have made the dive center their second home. Each individual has left an indelible mark on the Dive Point family, contributing to its vibrant tapestry of memories.
As Dive Point Red Sea prepares to bid adieu, the team will gradually wind down operations, reflecting on the countless underwater adventures and sun-kissed moments shared over the years. The equipment, which has faithfully accompanied them on their journey, will be passed on to new owners with both a smile and a tear, carrying the legacy of Dive Point Red Sea forward into new waters.
In a heartfelt message to every guest and employee who has been part of the Dive Point Red Sea family, Regina and Matthias express their appreciation for the laughter, enthusiasm, and sense of community that has defined their dive center. Though the name may change, the memories of past dives, vibrant sunsets, and the echo of laughter will forever resonate like the gentle rhythm of the ocean in their hearts.
With joy for the cherished memories, gratitude for the shared moments, and a touch of nostalgia, Regina and Matthias bid farewell to their beloved dive center as they transition into a well-deserved retirement from the diving scene.
Source:
https://www.thescubanews.com/2024/03/07/dive-point-red-sea-to-close-after-30-years-of-operation/
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BLU3 Unveils the Revolutionary SeaNXT Elite Underwater Scooter in the Americas
BLU3, a leader in battery-powered tankless dive systems, is thrilled to announce the launch of the SeaNXT Elite underwater scooter in North and South America. This innovative product represents a significant advancement in underwater exploration, and we are actively seeking new dealers to help distribute it to diving enthusiasts across these continents.
The SeaNXT Elite is poised to transform the underwater scooter market with its cutting-edge design and features. At the heart of its appeal is an advanced all-carbon fiber construction, which ensures that the scooter is both incredibly lightweight and exceptionally robust. Weighing in at just 50 lbs, the SeaNXT Elite is easy to handle and transport, making it an ideal choice for small boats where space and weight are at a premium.
One of the standout features of the SeaNXT Elite is its impressive top speed of 13 mph. This high-speed capability allows divers to cover more ground quickly and efficiently, enhancing the overall diving experience. Additionally, the scooter’s low buoyancy design ensures a stable and effortless ride, reducing the physical strain on the diver and allowing for longer and more enjoyable underwater adventures.
The user experience with the SeaNXT Elite is further enhanced by its intuitive controls and user-friendly interface. Whether you are a seasoned diver or a newcomer to underwater exploration, the SeaNXT Elite offers a smooth and comfortable ride, enabling you to focus on the beauty of the underwater world rather than the mechanics of operating your equipment.
BLU3 is committed to expanding access to innovative diving technology, and the introduction of the SeaNXT Elite in North and South America is a major step in this direction. By partnering with new dealers, we aim to bring this revolutionary underwater scooter to a wider audience, allowing more people to experience the thrill and convenience of advanced underwater mobility.
We invite potential dealers to join us in this exciting venture. By offering the SeaNXT Elite, dealers will be providing their customers with a state-of-the-art product that combines performance, durability, and ease of use. Together, we can revolutionize the underwater scooter market and make underwater exploration more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
For more information about becoming a dealer for the SeaNXT Elite or to learn more about this groundbreaking product, please contact BLU3. Join us in diving into the future of underwater exploration with the SeaNXT Elite.
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From Classroom to Cross-Country: John Kusku’s Inspiring Journey in Para Nordic Skiing
John Kusku’s passion for math and science began early, even before he attended a NASA space camp in elementary school. Today, he channels that passion as a high school math teacher and as a Para cross-country skier.
Kusku, 39, is visually impaired, so when he began training in Nordic skiing two years ago, he couldn’t watch other skiers on the course. He had to find alternative ways to learn cross-country skiing and biathlon, using his scientific mindset to focus on the physics of skiing. This approach is similar to how he played goalball, a sport he excelled in as a member of the U.S. national men’s goalball team for over a decade.
“With my vision being so poor now, cross-country skiing is the first sport I learned completely blind,” Kusku, who lives in the Detroit area, explained. “I’ve always relied on watching others to learn sports, but with skiing, I had to rely entirely on direct instruction.”
Kusku embraced Nordic skiing with an open mind. He concluded his first season of racing at the 2023 U.S. Biathlon National Championships in Casper, Wyoming, and competed at the U.S. Cross Country Ski Nationals in Midway, Utah, during his second season. He plans to race next season at the renowned American Birkebeiner in Wisconsin, the largest cross-country race in North America.
“Seeing the speed of Paralympians like Max Nelson and Jake Adicoff, I know it will take time to reach that level,” Kusku said with a laugh. “I’m aiming for the 2030 team, not 2026.”
Kusku was born with a hereditary degenerative retinal disease, leaving him with less than one degree of vision in each eye. Despite being legally blind from birth, he enjoyed playing soccer and inline hockey with friends in his Detroit suburb. However, his vision deteriorated in middle school, prompting him to find new sports.
He discovered goalball, a sport for visually impaired players aiming to score by throwing a ball into the opponent’s net. Initially, he found it boring but fell in love with it after attending a sports camp hosted by the Michigan Blind Athletic Association, where he now serves as vice president.
“At camp in eighth grade, I fell in love with goalball, especially after getting a bloody nose in my first game,” Kusku recalled. “It got me hooked.”
Kusku joined the U.S. national goalball team in 2009, earning a silver medal at the Rio 2016 Paralympics and finishing fourth in Tokyo 2020. He then turned his attention to Para Nordic skiing, inspired by his childhood experiences in a downhill skiing program for blind skiers and by watching the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics.
“That was the moment I knew I needed to pursue Nordic skiing,” Kusku said.
In December 2022, at age 37, Kusku tried Nordic skiing for the first time at the Craftsbury Outdoor Center in Vermont, guided by Clare Egan, a two-time Olympian in biathlon.
Kusku’s endurance background, including running the Detroit Free Press Marathon and the Boston Marathon twice, helped him transition to Nordic skiing. He also applied skills from goalball, particularly the ability to follow auditory cues.
“Goalball is sound-dependent, and that skill helps me follow my guide’s commands while skiing,” Kusku said. “Most people couldn’t follow a speaker through a white landscape they can’t see.”
Kusku’s journey in Para Nordic skiing is a testament to his resilience and scientific approach, proving that with determination and the right mindset, anything is possible.
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Para Nordic Skiers Hit the Trails in Bend for Early-Season Training Camp
While much of the country enjoyed warm weather earlier this month, nearly a dozen Para Nordic skiers took advantage of the lingering snow near Bend, Oregon. They tested their ski equipment, navigated the trails at Mount Bachelor, honed their fundamentals, and bonded as a group.
Nine Paralympians, Paralympic hopefuls, and newcomers to cross-country skiing, along with a personal guide, gathered for a training camp hosted by U.S. Paralympics Nordic Skiing in mid-May. For many, this was likely their last chance to train on snow this summer.
“It’s a good time for everybody to connect as a team, and it’s early season. People aren’t really thinking about racing yet. They’re just thinking about kicking it off, so it’s a little lighter,” said BethAnn Chamberlain, a development coach with U.S. Paralympics Nordic Skiing.
During a typical year, cross-country skiers take off April after wrapping up their seasons in March. They usually start their offseason training programs on May 1, and it has become an annual tradition for U.S. Paralympics Nordic Skiing to host a training camp at Mount Bachelor in May.
The small group of sit skiers, standing skiers, and visually impaired skiers started this year’s camp on May 12. It included athletes of all levels, from those new to the sport to Paralympians Dani Aravich, Erin Martin, Max Nelson, and Jake Adicoff.
Adicoff, a four-time Paralympic medalist, was the most decorated of the skiers who trained just outside Bend for up to 10 days.
“We ski in the morning because the snow softens up and it wouldn’t be worth going in the afternoon,” Chamberlain said. “It’s really awesome, especially for our sit skiers and our more experienced athletes that just need more volume, more on-snow time.”
Ty Wiberg and Nicole Zaino, two promising sit skiers who train together in Bozeman, Montana, joined Martin and three newcomers to sit skiing for almost a week of training at Mount Bachelor. Several members of the Canadian Para Nordic skiing national team also trained with the Americans.
Chamberlain said the camp gave experienced sit skiers like Martin the chance to try new things with their sit skis and refine their skills for dryland training this summer. The camp was also productive for newcomers, who worked on fundamentals and learned to maneuver around curves and ski up and down hills.
“It’s always super fun working with new athletes. We want to give them a good experience and a good taste of what Nordic skiing is all about,” Chamberlain said.
Aravich, a standing skier, and visually impaired skiers Adicoff and Nelson, all members of the U.S. Paralympics Nordic skiing national team, spent extra days at the camp to maximize their on-snow time. They’ll spend the rest of the summer roller skiing to stay in shape for the upcoming season.
“It’s a great time of year to bring a diverse group together because it’s early season training,” Chamberlain said. “It’s basics. It’s fundamentals. It’s bringing it back.
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Breaking Barriers on the Slopes: NENSA Champions Inclusivity at High School Nordic Ski Championships
In March, the New England Nordic Ski Association (NENSA) hosted its prestigious Eastern High School Championships in Holderness, New Hampshire, where three exceptional teenagers—one from Maine and two from the Midwest—stood out as competitors in the standing ski category. This marked a significant moment in the realm of high school cross-country skiing, highlighting NENSA’s proactive stance, in partnership with U.S. Paralympics Nordic Skiing, towards promoting inclusivity and accessibility in the sport.
The event serves as a cornerstone for young skiers across New England and New York, embodying NENSA’s commitment to expanding opportunities for all athletes. By integrating adaptive sports more prominently into its programs, NENSA aims not only to provide competitive platforms but also to foster a supportive environment where adaptive athletes, like those participating in the standing ski category, can thrive. Through ongoing initiatives in accessibility and outreach, NENSA continues to pave the way for a more inclusive future in high school cross-country skiing, ensuring that every athlete feels valued and empowered on the snow.
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