Young skier brings home gold from end-of-season race

Young local skier Justin Caswell, 10, finished off his season in the best possible way: with a gold medal at his final race of the year.

Caswell competed in the 22nd annual Timmins Slalom Derby at Kamiskotia Snow Resort over the Easter weekend, March 30-April 1, 2018. The snow was perfect for the intense and challenging course.

More than 100 hundred racers travelled from all over Ontario and Quebec for this annual event. Caswell competed in the U12 Male Slalom category and brought home the gold! His older sister, Julia, competed as well—in the U14 Female Slalom category—and placed fifth.

Caswell has been racing for two years as part of the U12 team at the Muskoka Ski Club (MSC) at Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area—last year he raced up a level rather than competing in his own age group. The MSC U12 team competes against other race teams in a circuit around southern Ontario.

He competed in races at Glacier Ski Club at Mount St. Louis-Moonstone, the Heights of Horseshoe, Brimacombe, and at his home club, taking first place in three out of four of those races. He also participated in the Mastermind Invitational at Devil’s Glen and placed fifth in the Slalom and 9th in the Giant Slalom for his age group.

Reflecting on his season, Caswell said, “It was fun because you get to ski at different ski hills and compete with different racers. I learned more and have become a better skier. It’s fun and I enjoy it.” His future goal is to continue to become a better skier.

As for his end-of-season gold at the Timmins Slalom Derby, he said simply, “I’m very happy that I placed first.” As he should be.

His mom, Sarah Caswell, said it’s fun to watch her son do what he loves to do. “He has passion, dedication and focus. People enjoy watching him race through a course. One of the things I admire most is his sportsmanship to fellow competitors and his modesty. I look forward to seeing where it takes him.”

Congratulations on a great season, Justin!

Some of his MSC teammates—Julia Caswell, William Caswell, Grace Dalton, Eloise MacKenzie, Ben Maduri, and Charlotte Wood—travelled to the Whistler Cup in Whistler, BC from April 13-15 to finish off their seasons, an experience they won’t soon forget.

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