We will now spotlight Alden Reardon of Fort Kent. He was the 2024 Class C Classical and Freestyle state champion. His team also won the state title and he was the winner of the Aroostook League classical and freestyle. We asked him about this season surprises, what he was thinking about at the start line, and more.
1) What were your preparations leading up to the state meet?
We went to ski the course a couple of weeks before the race so we could get familiar with it. I was also making sure not to get sick.
2) How did you deal with the pressure and emotions that come along with competing in a state meet?
2) How did you deal with the pressure and emotions that come along with competing in a state meet?
I wasn't too nervous before the race, but I had just enough nerves to stay focused before and during the race.
3) What was going through your mind at the starting gate?
3) What was going through your mind at the starting gate?
Before the race I was making sure to warm up enough since there were a lot of hills at the start of the course. In the classic race, I was also making sure that my skis weren't icing up.
4) What do you contribute your success to?
4) What do you contribute your success to?
A great team and great coaches along with roller skiing in the summer.
5) What are your goals/plans for next year?
5) What are your goals/plans for next year?
I plan on continuing to roller ski in the summer.
6) What surprised you the most about this season?
6) What surprised you the most about this season?
I was surprised at how many races we were still able to have, even with the lack of snow.
7) What moment/event will you remember the most from the season?
7) What moment/event will you remember the most from the season?
States this year was a really fun race. I enjoyed the course and all of the spectators cheering us on.
8) What do you like most about Nordic Skiing?
I like the challenge and I like meeting new people in the sport.
