By: Julia Kern
I spent the last two weeks in Almaty, Kazakhstan training and competing at Junior World Championships! I must say it was quite the adventure. The volunteers were extremely friendly and helpful right from the beginning, starting with the airport.
I spent the last two weeks in Almaty, Kazakhstan training and competing at Junior World Championships! I must say it was quite the adventure. The volunteers were extremely friendly and helpful right from the beginning, starting with the airport.
The team arrives in Almaty! |
Our wonderful volunteer Altynai (in the green jacket) with
the team!
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Bus selfie with the USA and Canadian Team!
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Bus selfies are clearly so important…
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I guess umbrellas are Earthquake safe?
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Coach Boobar and Katharine in the city with a view of our hotel in the background. |
Lower course overview.
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Looks a lot like Weston with all of those S-turns!
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Excitement levels really high in the stars and stripes! (Julia, Hailey, Katharine) |
The tunnel entrance to the stadium. (The venue is a 2022
Olympic Candidate City)
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Opening ceremonies J
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RELAY DAY= GLITTER
One of the most exciting days for the USA is relay day! Our
entire relay team and all other athletes put on glitter for relay day. Hailey,
Katharine and I then tracked down all of the coaches and wax techs and put
glitter on their face in spirit of relay day.
Boobar being glittered up by Hailey.
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Fish receiving his dose of glitter.
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Me (Julia) racing in the scramble leg of the relay! |
Julia, Hailey, Katharine cheering for the boys relay!
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Every race week and venue has its quirks. Pollution was
present in the city we were staying in unfortunately, but everyone has to deal
with it. Keeping a positive mindset and being flexible is one of my biggest
takeaways. I had an amazing experience at World Juniors and learned A LOT about
racing internationally at a high level! Now I am off to the Czech Republic for
Slavic Cup races!
I guess my mask style is the new style….
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The smog laying low in the city in the morning.
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Red, White, Blue= Check!
By Julia Kern
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