Brittany Phelan

Best moment in ski racing: Qualifying to race at my first World Cup in Aspen, USA, in 2008. Racing World Cup always seemed like it happened in another world. After being told I had the opportunity to compete in Aspen, I felt like one of my biggest dreams had been attained and it left me wanting it all.
 
Worst moment in ski racing: At Whistler Cup in my first year K2, the day before the slalom race, I fell and broke my thumb pretty bad. The doctor said I wouldn’t be able to race, but I was determined. My parents had a fibreglass brace moulded to my pole and I went up the next day to try to race. After inspecting the first run, I tried to ski the warm-up course. Cross blocking each gate caused me excruciating pain and after discussing it with my coach, we decided it wasn’t going to happen. It was the most prestigious race in K2 and it was supposed to be my event. It took me a long time to get over the fact that maybe I could have raced. Maybe I could have won. Or maybe I would have further damaged my hand and ended my career right then and there. So maybe it wasn't such a bad idea.
 
One thing you would change about ski racing: I would have our speed suits insulated and made water resistant. Maybe a one-run slalom would be good, too.
 
Best World Cup stop: Levi, Finland - it's far, freezing, dark and like another world. It is the first race of the season, and no one really knows what to expect. After crossing the finish line after the first race of the year, I'm always so excited because I have another 50 or so to go before spring-time blues set in.
 
Person you look up to most in ski racing: Growing up, I really looked up to Bode Miller and Herman Maier. I find Bode is such an athletic and exciting skier to watch. I looked up to Herman for his passion and love for the sport and what he overcame to become one of ski racings legends.
 
On your IPod: Michael Jackson. And pretty much everything and anything. Country has even been growing on me since our frequent trips to Calgary.
 
Favourite movie: Twilight! No but actually, Wild America would have to be my favourite. Growing up, I thrived for adventure and loved animals and playing in the woods. The movie also gave me the inspiration I needed to construct a flying apparatus, and appoint my brother as the number one test pilot. There ended up being only one test. And it failed miserably.
 
Hockey team: Boston Bruins! It’s a family thing. My grandfather had a Boston Bruins jersey when my mother was really young and therefore she was convinced he played for the Boston Bruins. One day at school when asked about what her father did, she replied that he plays for the Boston Bruins! The teacher accused her of lying so when she went home she asked her father about it and he said, “Of course I did,” then preceded to be yelled at by my grandmother.
 
If you could have dinner with one person, living or dead, who would it be? Michael Jackson. From doing projects on him back in high school, to watching the This Is It footage, I have an incredible amount of respect for him. He was so passionate about what he did and was an extreme perfectionist in his line of work. He preached so much about the importance of love and children, and despite all the allegations, I truly believe he wanted to make the world a better place through his love and music. MJ gave his heart and sole to his career and in my opinion died a premature death because of the false allegations.
 
Something no-one knows about you: My favourite class in high school was history. Many found it so long and boring but I couldn't get enough of it! A school day would be a good day if I had history and gym class.
 
Favourite activities other than skiing: White water kayaking, skateboarding, mountain biking, soccer, golf (I try) and squash.
 
Superstitions: So many! From starting numbers, to chair numbers, to snow conditions, to lucky clothes. I have even held my teammates back from going up a certain chair because it was a bad number on race day. I think I find it entertaining and just make them up as I go.

If a movie was made about your life who should play the lead role? Ellen Page. Doesn't look a thing like me but she's such a great actress and seems really down to earth and cool.
 
A talent you wish you had: I wish I was somewhat musically talented. Playing instruments has never been my forte . . . even after many years of piano lessons.
 
If you weren’t a ski racer what would you be? A ski cross racer! Or some kind of career that involves a course and a timing system.
 
Funniest thing you've ever seen in ski racing: In Semmering, Austria, at the slalom World Cup (2010-11), Ève Routhier qualified for a second run, which was great! It was even better when she had a sweet second run, even though she got a piece of garbage right across her goggles half-way down! She obviously doesn't need to see to ski!
 
Most embarrassing moment: Missing my start at Lake Placid, USA, in my second year of FIS because I was too focused and determined on solving the Rubik’s Cube inside.
 
Describe yourself in three words: Driven, passionate, ambitious.

Finishes in the top 30
29th - Slalom - Maribor, SLO (Jan. 2013)
10th - Slalom _ Zagreb, CRO (Jan. 2013)
16th - Slalom - Semmering, AUT (Dec. 2012)
22nd – Slalom – Are, SWE (Dec. 2012)
21st – Slalom – Aspen, USA (Nov. 2012)
28th – Slalom – Levi, FIN (Nov. 2012)

FIS Alpine World Ski Championships
30th - Slalom - Schladming, AUT (Feb. 2013) 

FIS World Junior Ski Championships
5th – Slalom – Crans Montana, SUI (Feb. 2011)

Nor-Am Cup podiums
1st – Slalom – Panorama, B.C. (Dec. 2012)
2nd – Slalom – Panorama, B.C. (Dec. 2012)
1st – Slalom – Loveland, USA (Nov. 2012)
3rd – Slalom – Loveland, USA (Nov. 2012)
3rd – Slalom – Vail, USA (Feb. 2012)
2nd – Slalom – Loveland, USA (Nov. 2010)
1st – Slalom – Panorama, B.C. (Dec. 2009)
3rd – Slalom – Mt. St. Anne, QC (Jan. 2008)