She may not have made it to the podium, but she did Huntsville proud once again.
Dara Howell was one of three Canadian slopestyle skiers in the women’s qualifiers at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics. It was a long road to get there — Howell took some time off from the sport to regroup after her gold-medal win in Sochi in 2014 left her feeling overwhelmed. But she had been training harder than ever since her return to competition in 2016.
A large crowd packed the members’ lounge at Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area (HVHSA) — where Howell learned to ski — on February 16 to support her second trip to the Olympics. MC Rob Crowder had everyone cheering with enough volume and spirit to make one almost believe they could be heard all the way in South Korea.
Howell’s first qualifying run ended almost as soon as it began when she fell coming off a rail. But she shook it off and had a strong second run that may have put her in the top twelve heading into the finals until she dropped a ski on the landing of a difficult jump.
It was a disappointing finish for Howell, but her fans at HVHSA were proud of the hometown girl nonetheless. Hers was an extraordinary comeback. And no matter how it ended, Crowder reminded her fans, she remains a two-time Olympian, a gold-medal winner and Huntsville’s golden girl.
Dara Howell’s grandparents Sandy and Ken Raven
(From left) Richard and Kim Sasson, Karen Litchfield, Tami Mattice, Catherine Gray and Sandy Raven
(From left) Kyle Mattice, Oliver Gray, Ollie Farnsworth, Brodie Mattice, Harry Farnsworth, and Nolan Caswell
(Front from left) Kelly Petman, Carla Chapman, Gwen Jones, and (in back) Sandy Raven
(From left) Leslie Stewart, Leann Rogers, and Heather Garrod
Toby (left) and Lori Johnson
Greg-Charlie (left) and Joni Munce made these posters to help cheer on Dara
Perhaps there’s a future Olympian among these young Dara Howell fans?
Even the balcony was packed with Dara’s supporters
Go, Dara, go!
See full results from the women’s slopestyle finals here. Canada’s Yuki Tsubota placed fourth.
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Dara, we are so proud of you for representing Canada again. You have not let injuries stop you from working hard to qualify again. We will be watching you from the US. No matter what happens on Saturday, you are still our GOLDEN girl! Wishing you a great run today!!
Good morning (here) Dara. Thank you so much for putting Huntsville on the World Stage for a second time. Congratulations on your second journey with the Canadian Olympic Team! That is a very big deal. We are so proud of you and all that you have accomplished as you have pursued your dream. Big hugs, Mary Ray and Ray Ward