Braydon Luscombe, an 18-year old para-alpine athlete from Duncan, BC is having the time of his life this year. A member of the Growing Champions program that connects high-performance BC-based athletes with businesses and individuals throughout the province, Braydon is sponsored by Vancouver Airport Authority. We had a brief conversation with Braydon at the start of the season, click here to meet this engaging young athlete.
Already Braydon’s has a list of accomplishments to his name. In 2009 he won silver at the BC Para-Alpine Championships in Whistler. He was chosen to be one of eight representatives to carry the Paralympic Games flag at the opening ceremonies for the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver. Most recently, Braydon was selected as one of eight para-alpine athletes for the National Prospect Team.
First stop was Nakiska, AB for the initial prospect camp. He impressed the selection committee so much that he was invited with only two other members of this elite group to Prospect Team races in Copper Mountain, Colorado.
Braydon (pictured far right) on the podium
About 75 miles west of Denver, Copper Mountain is known for its stunning natural terrain and challenging race courses. Just this week, Braydon won both silver and bronze in two junior Giant Slalom races, with his favorite event, Slalom, yet to race. He has a short break back home with his family over Christmas then travels back to Colorado for more training and events. A fast paced schedule indeed for this young racer.
As Braydon’s travel sponsor, the Airport Authority supports his talent and passion by providing funds to get to these race events.
Braydon has big dreams for the future. Getting to this point has taken hard work and dedication. But it’s not just about skiing. The little spare time Braydon has these days is split between other sports and family activities, as well as working with War Amps BC as a junior counselor. Braydon lost his right-leg at the age of five and lives life to the fullest. “I am involved with younger amputee children as a role model and educator,” says Braydon. “We talk about safety, health, education and specific issues of being an amputee. I love spending time with children and seeing other disabled people being all they can be.”
Vancouver Airport Authority and the entire YVR community wish Braydon every success in racing to achieve his dreams.
