Kuhne finishes first at skiing provincials

Konrad Kuhne dominated at the 2010 Cross Country Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Championships.

The 13-year-old cross country skier raced in a division with 15 and 16-year-olds in Butterpot Park in St. John's from Feb. 20-21, but he took on the challenge without faltering.

He placed first in the 5 km Juvenile Boys Classic and fourth in the 7.5 km Juvenile Boys Free Skate.

His provincial teammates weren't far behind. Adam Batson came in second at the 5 km Juvenile Boys Classic and ninth in the 7.5 km Juvenile Boys Free Skate, while Dorinda Lawlor came fifth in the 5 km Juvenile Girls Classic and 7.5 km Juvenile Girls Free Skate.

"At events like this I sort of know that I'm gonna come in first because I know who I'm racing against," said Kuhne.

He said the skiers were able to pre-ski the course a day before the races, which had a one- kilometre descent at the beginning and then went flat so the skiers could go pretty fast. However, he added, the skiers needed to loop around and climb up the descent at the end, which he believes is what separated the winners from the losers.

He said his endurance and training helped him recover faster and finish first in the classic race.

Kuhne explained he can push himself more in the free skate, but his technique in the classic has always been good.

He admitted he did a horrible job at pacing himself for a time trial the week before provincials, and his teammate Patrick Henderson beat him. Realizing he may have been over-exercising, he gave himself time to recover before provincials to raise his energy levels and he thinks it gave him an edge.

Kuhne said he definitely learned to pace himself better after the provincial races, but he feels happy with what he's accomplished.

Chris Etsell poses for a picture at the bottom of the half pipe during the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver.