Barbados now has its first ever winter sports medal.
Victor White wrote his name in local sporting history yesterday, as he won a silver medal at the Europa Cup in Poland. The 22-year-old freestyle skier scored big to gain a well-deserved podium finish in the men’s Big Air event. He scored 176.76 points – just 0.33 points off the gold medal winner.
“It feels amazing to be able to take home the silver. It’s unbelievable. It’s a great honour to be out there representing and carrying the flag every time. I get the best support, so thank you to anyone,” he told Sunsport.
White, who grew up in Sweden but is qualified to represent Barbados by descent, dedicated the medal to his Barbadian dad, who passed away five years ago; his late grandmother; and uncle.
“This medal is for my father, who never got to see me compete on the international stage and in winter sports. He passed away in 2014, unfortunately, because of cancer, and so I’m dedicating this to him; my Uncle Colin, who also passed away; and to my grandmother. Before my runs. I was looking up to the sky and I felt the support and the love in my heart.”
White’s performance comes off the back of a 31st place finish at the World Ski Championships in Utah last week.
“I’ve just been [preparing mentally] and I used the momentum and the positive vibes from the World Championships going into Europe and I mean it definitely paid off.”
“I had a good solid month back home in Barbados during Christmas and New Year’s, which was very helpful to get the body in tune for the upcoming competitions,” he added.
He said more emphasis should be placed on winter sports in Barbados in order for greater achievements to take place.
“Of course, it’s easier if you’re maybe studying in Canada or maybe living [there]. Well, I mean there’s ice skating and such things that we can make happen on the island.”
Despite capturing a medal at one of Europe’s biggest winter games events, White said he has not yet shifted his attention to qualifying for the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, China.
“I’m not really thinking about the 2022 Olympics. I’m taking it day by day and week by week. One day when we get closer to the date in 2022, then we’ll see what’s up, but I’m just trying to ski my best and have fun at this moment and represent Barbados and make my island proud.” (AGB)
