If you look up "Proud Parent" in the dictionary, we're pretty sure there is a picture of Ed Dziewior, father of Andrea Dziewior one of Canada's Paralympic Alpine Skiiers. We caught up with Ed after Andrea's first day of competition on the hill at Whistler. We talked about what the atmosphere is like at Whistler, Andrea's drive and success, and how Ed instilled the idea of "no limits" in his daughter.
What's the mood like up at Whistler for Andrea's races?
The number of people at the races is incredible. It is so thrilling to have large crowds to support everyone - all the athletes whether or not they win a medal. Whistler is really full of energy and electricity! There was a HUGE crowd in the stands.
This is the first international event at which Natalie (her step-mother) and I have been able to see Andrea compete - it is really incredible. And it's been great to be a part of the Petro-Canada Athlete Family Program - we haven't had to worry about anything: tickets, transport, etc. Even with the some of the events being postponed, it was all handled for us. It really took a load off my mind and especially Andrea's. She didn't have to worry about us.
Tell us a bit about Andrea and how she got started skiing.
It has been her dream to represent Canada at the Paralympics! She's been skiing since about age 6 or 7 - she first started at Grouse Mountain for a few years. And then she moved to a program at Mt. Washington under Herb Bradley who started the skiing program for people with disabilities. Through this program at Mt. Washington, Andrea really developed as a skier. She was noticed first by the BC provincial Disabled Ski Team and head coach Phil Chew - then was recognized by the national team.
Andrea's a tough competitor but she can have a stubborn side. When she was growing up, I knew that one of the important things to keep helping her learn was how to keep her balance. I thought that teaching her to skip rocks - where she would have to balance on the cobblestones beside the river - would be a good exercise and lots of fun. Well, she did not initially want to go. But I insisted we go down. So, we stood side by side at the river and I showed her how to throw a rock. I told her to try and was looking out at the river when I felt a big "WHAP" up the side of my head. I still have the scar. Heh, a kid's aim can be pretty good when they want it to be.
Is your family a big "sporting" family?
When I was growing up, I participated in sports like football or track and field. But I learned to ski because of Andrea. We learned together.
What impresses you most about Andrea as an athlete?
Well, first of all, Andrea isn't just an athlete! She's completing her bachelor of business administration degree this July. I don't know how she's managed to excel at both! She's been prepping for the Paralympics plus doing her degree for the last three years. But, as an athlete, I'm really impressed with how generous Andrea is. She is considerate of her fellow competitors and acknowledges their talent. She is very grateful for all of the support she has received from individuals and businesses on Vancouver Island and she continues to acknowledge them. Plus, she is so grateful about how she was brought up - I told Andrea growing up that she can't accept any limits and in order to succeed you can't be afraid to fall down - that she wants to share that message with other kids who might be in the same situation she is. She speaks to lots of school groups about people with disabilities. Heck, the day before she came to the Paralympics she spoke to a school group.
Before she competes, are there any rituals that you have together?
Well, I don't want to give away all her secrets … but we do make a point of having her over for her current favourite meal before she heads out to a competition. After that, before she leaves, there will be high fives and kisses all around!
Many thanks to Ed and Natalie for talking to us! Andrea skis today in the Women's Downhill - Standing and later in the week in the Super G - Standing, Super Combined Slalom - Standing, and Combined Super G - Standing. We wish her and the rest of Team Canada all the best!
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