On Tuesday February 18, freestyle halfpipe skier, Peter Adam Crook, representing the British Virgin Islands at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic Games will have his first taste of action in the mountain resort of Rosa Khutor, Sochi, Russia. The men’s ski halfpipe qualifiers and finals will take place from 9.45am AST to 1.30pm AST.
For only the second time in thirty years, the BVI celebrated its official entry in the Winter Olympic Games at the Sochi 2014 opening ceremony when 21 year old, Adam, as he is known, walked into Fisht Stadium in the coastal region of Sochi, Russia bearing the national flag of the BVI. The athlete was accompanied by his father and treasurer of the British Virgin Islands Ski Association, Barney Crook, his coach, Luke “Ocho” Allen, Chef de Mission for Sochi 2014, Mark Chapman, and president of the BVI Olympic Committee, Ephraim Penn.
“The ceremonies were really special,” said Adam. “It was an unexplainable feeling when I first walked into the stadium, it’s something I will never forget. My dad was able to join us in the ceremony which was amazing as he and my mom have been my biggest supporters from day one.”
The British Virgin Islands Ski Association was formed in 2010 under the auspices of the BVI Olympic Committee. Once sanctioned by the BVIOC, Adam was inducted into the International Ski Federation and represented the BVI in international competitions including Olympic qualifiers. In August 2013, Adam took 10th place at the World Cup held in Cardrona, New Zealand. He is currently ranked No. 27 in the world by the Association of Freeski Professionals.
Adam was born in the BVI and attended Cedar International School. He trains in the USA and competes worldwide but returns to his family home in Tortola when his schedule allows.
Commenting on his personal experience in ultimately qualifying for the Olympic Games, Adam said, “My advice to any athlete from small areas is to set goals for yourself and do everything in your power to achieve them! In the end any sacrifices you make in the process are totally worth it!”
Adam’s participation in Sochi 2014 marks the 30th anniversary of the BVI’s debut in the Olympic Games when Errol “Canute” Fraser competed in speed skating the Sarajevo 1984 Winter Olympic Games.
Errol is believed to be the first black, speed skater to have competed in the Winter Olympics. The BVI has participated in every Summer Olympic games since 1984, but this will be only the second time in its history that it will have a competitor in the Winter games.
