Peter Adam Crook joins the ranks of BVI Olympians after competing in the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic freestyle halfpipe ski event on Tuesday, February 18.
Adam competed for the BVI in the qualifier runs in the Rosa Khutor Extreme Park halfpipe. Conditions were tough with many competitors struggling to gain balance following their air borne tricks. Adam’s false landings at the end of his two qualifier runs resulted in scores of 24.20 and 25.20 out of a possible 100 based on the six judges’ combined marks on overall impression.
Only 12 out of 28 competitors would go on to the finals with scores ranging from 91.60 to 72.00. The event medalists were Gold, David Wise (USA, 92.00), Silver, Mike Riddle (Canada, 90.60), and Bronze, Kevin Rolland (France, 88.60).
Commenting on his Facebook page just prior to his event, Adam posted,
“Regardless of what happens tonight I am going to leave the venue with a big smile on my face. This has been one crazy journey and I am so grateful for it all.
“Through thick and thin my parents have always been here to support me and none of this would be possible without you guys and I cannot begin to thank you enough! I love you guys so much! I am so blessed to have my whole family, sisters included, here to cheer me on tonight!
“Lets go do this thing!”
Friends and supporters in the BVI, including Adam’s grandparents, Mr and Mrs Johnson, and Mike Hirst, president of the BVI Ski Association were able to watch the qualifying round shown live at Captain Mulligan’s, Nanny Cay.
Congratulating Adam on making it to the Olympics, Minister for Education, Culture and Sports, Hon. Myron Walwyn said, “To have the opportunity to compete at the Olympics is one that is reserved for only the best in their sport, and we in the Virgin Islands are very proud to have been represented by such a determined young man at these games.
“Peter’s determination to follow and excel at a sport in which he truly loves should inspire all of us to achieve more, despite daily challenges, despite not being in the right environment, we can push pass obstacles and achieve our dreams.”
Adam was the flag bearer at the Sochi 2014 opening ceremony at Fisht Stadium in the coastal region of Sochi, Russia. He 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 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.
Adam’s participation in Sochi 2014 marked 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 was only the second time in its history that the territory had a competitor in the Winter games.
Adam was born in the BVI and attended Cedar International School. He trained in the USA and competed worldwide but returned to his family home in Tortola when his schedule allowed.
