Probably I’ve been watching too much Universal Sports lately (been sick for 3+ and counting now — ugh!). But one of the many cool factoids I’ve picked up recently from “color commentary” was that the top downhill skiers travel with 40-60 different pairs of skis and a tech to prep them.
First of all, do the ski techs have a life? Think about it: preparing 40+ pairs of skis before every race? They must keep odd hours — stay up late waxing until dawn, then remain on-call on race day to supply the perfect pair as conditions shift.
How much do these people get paid? Do they work for entire teams, just one athlete, or do some skiers pair up and share the cost of tech? Are travel fees and hotel costs covered in their salary since they’re always on the move, from race to race?
Sure, I travel with several suits, caps and pairs of googles to be prepared for any race-day condition. But 40+ of each? No way! Not only would that require an entire second suitcase just for gear, but I doubt conditions for swimmers could vary enough to make 40 suits practical packing. (Which of course then makes me wonder; how are the skis transported? They’re not exactly light and compact. Is that the tech’s responsibilty too?)
Nor do I have tech person traveling with me when I compete, but the possibility is intriguing. Maybe a stroke coach? They could watch me during warm up and offer fine-tuning advice before each race. Or pre-scout the field and help me prepare a race plan.
Wait a second! That sounds like a coach! Maybe I just need to pack my own suits and find a team with a coach that travels with their swimmers…oh for the days of age-group swimming!
Until next time,
Rebecca, swim evangelist