May 12th 2010 in beautiful Fernie, BC was Emily Brydon Day.

An honour beyond my wildest dreams. An honour that made me speechless. An honour that I was proud to share with my Mom, friends and supporters.

Fernie is a little town nestled in the southeast corner of British Columbia; a place that I am proud to call my roots. What once was just a tiny blip on the radar has grown into an international destination and a much sought after ski resort. It is a community that honours its citizens, lends a helping hand when need calls and inspirations beyond words.
So there I was, Mommy and me riding in the back of a 1950's Studebaker fire truck, being escorted by a police car, 4 huge Olympic sport mascots, and two Mounties. Trailing behind us were the kids that the Emily Brydon Youth Foundation had helped and the people who were instrumental in my life and career thus far. It was the ever growing parade as we picked up kids along the way like a giant "swiffer picker upper". The only complaint to date was the lack of candy - next time! People actually showed up and people actually cheered. It was one of those occasions where I dreaded the worst (no one being there) and was blown away by the people whom I saw in the crowd. It was so important for me to see this and to experience it. It was a private showing to what happened during the games and a little taste of how the Olympics united this tiny village in the Kootenay's. It reinforced my belief that the Olympic Games can be so much more than podiums and results; the power of sport is one of the most unrecognized and underestimated forces of the world. It grounded me and gave me what I needed to heal my disappointed Olympic heart.

From the fire truck, I was lead in by two local bagpipers (one of whom is a ski racer!) to the local community center. The people in the crowd were all there because they were somehow connected to my life as a Fernite, ski racer, friend or supporter. It was the most diverse, inspiration and thought provoking group of people. Speeches followed and awards and presentations were given. I kept the tears at bay but the dreaded clenched jaw was in effect. My speech at the end of it all was definitely one that was emotional and difficult; rarely am I at a loss of words, but I was. How do you thank all these people who have already given you so much? It is something that I will forever be indebted to the community, my friends, my family and my supporters for.

For all you ski fans, you can now enjoy Emily's run at the Fernie Alpine Resort. You can go for a lovely little jog or stroll along the Emily Brydon trail and if you ever get locked out the city just give me a call......I have the key!!!
Thanks for all the recognition, support and inspiration.

Emily

Paradise by definition is a place of extreme beauty, delight or happiness. Puerto Escondido just might be added to that definition one of these days.

I just recently returned home from a trip of a life time. It was a dream vacation in so many ways, living up to each and every expectation I had. At the end of every ski season, my goal first and foremost is to find a beach. A beautiful beach where I can swim and play without a wetsuit, "bronze" beside crashing waves, relax and drink and eat as much and of whatever I want. A place of calm. A place of rejuvenation. A place just like Casa Rubia.

It has been a dream of mine to bring together my closest friends and family to rekindle friendships, relax on calm soil, reminisce about fond memories and good times, and to simply be surrounded by people that I love who love me back. I have always said that my career was never a solo adventure; there were many people who gave me the tools, the support and the inspiration to keep trying and keep achieving. Now was my time to thank them for all that they have done.

So off to Casa Rubia it was. Casa Rubia is a gem hidden on the beautiful pacific coast in southern Mexico. It is a quintessential beach getaway. It's a place that you only ever see in pictures and a place that I was so happy to call home. A place where friendships we made tighter, new ones where made and lifelong bonds were established.

Casa Rubia welcomed us with open doors, a wonderful staff and an awe inspiring onyx table that sits 12. One of the highlights of my trip was the night that we filled 11 of those seats. I have never eaten so well on a holiday and knowing that the food was fresh each and every day from the market made you really savour the taste and the appreciate luxury of it all. I arrived late at night so on the first night it was a nice dinner, a couple beers and then off to bed. The sound of the waves crashing on the beach only meters away was impressive but like the train that rolls through Fernie on a regular basis, the sound became calming and soothing. I slept with my doors open and the fan above my bed made the sleeping conditions ideal. I didn't have to worry about a lonely bear coming to say hi. I didn't have to worry that I might get cold in the middle of the night. I placed my head on the pillow that night and fell into a deep "Zenfull" sleep.

The next 2 weeks were nothing short of amazing. Almost every day someone was either coming or going, like the tide of the ocean. Adventures were a daily ritual and open to whoever, whatever, whenever. Surfing was definitely the activity of choice as we were in one of the surf mecca's of the world but deep sea fishing, beach volleyball, wakeboarding and hiking were also on the list.

I will honestly admit that surfing will never be in my cards as I have yet to figure out the art of patience but it sure was a blast giving it a whirl. I can credit my ski crashes to helping me crash as gracefully and ably as possible in the waves but having said that I did manage to leave a piece of my front tooth on the beautiful ocean floor. The wakeboarding in the lagoon was an experience never to be forgotten. The calm waters, the mangroves and the bathtub like temperatures made for an amazing experience. Once again, my competitive and I am invincible train of thought led me to some spectacular crashes and a mild case of whiplash; one day I will learn that there are other gears apart from 5th! The deep sea fishing was a first for me and I am happy to announce that I did not catch a thing. Yes you read it right. I was happy to not have to deal with the "catch a fish and kill" idea so the sea safari was a great option. We saw dolphins, dancing stingray (they get serious vertical out of the water with hilarious flapping "wings"), and many turtles. We even manage to pet a turtle....not too sure if that it was you would call it, rather patting might be the better verb. Back on shore we saw a turtle making her nest and laying her eggs which was such a special moment; real life "planet earth". The sunset boogie boarding, the pool volleyball and the soccer game with the local builders from next door were also up there on great moments. The girls bought me a piñata on my "birthday" night which brought back many memories from my young and reckless years; those who saw, know!!! The nights were often calm though, as we had wasted most of our energy on our day's activities and by the time the "party" happens in Puerto we were all gazing at the back of our eyelids.

So here I am home safe and sound, feeding off the memories that this amazing vacation created. Cary Mullen opened his house to me (Casa Rubia) and I will forever be indebted to him for it. He has a vision for Puerto Escondido and for people who want Mexico to be part of their lives. This vision is called VivoResorts. Vivo offers great service and lifestyle in the best weather beachfront place that he could find. It is place that will forever bring families and friends together. It is place to retreat to and get away from our busy lives at home. It is place that wants to showcase authentic Mexico while supporting and maintaining authentic Mexico. It is a place I hope to return to many times in my life.

To my besties (Mommy, Diana, Krista, Michelle, Gen, Jenny, Anna, Anne-Marie, Shona, Larisa and Kristin) - Thank you from the bottom of my heart for coming together on this unique and memorable vacation. I love you all.

Here we are....The Last World Cup of the 2010 season and the last world cup of my long and rewarding career.

On the eve before my last World Cup downhill race, nothing but excitement runs through my veins. After a challenging, stressful and exhausting Olympic experience I was quite happy to get back on the World Cup tour and finish off the season with a smile on my face. It is all about soaking up the atmosphere and moment. It is about the pure passion of ski racing and sport. It's about living my dreams and acknowledging the journey.

Since the Olympic Games it has been a balance between sleep and coffee. After a big event there is always a huge "low" I not sure if it is just all the anticipation or a combination of that and effort. I thought that I enjoyed coffee before but know I truly live for it. It is funny but when you are so tired you prioritize your day much differently. You don't have time for stress which makes racing quite fun and you quickly adopt relaxation on all levels.

Crans Montana was officially our "lottery race" of the year and unfortunately I didn't draw winning numbers on either of the days. The course was in great condition but the wind and Mother Nature were just too much. The track there is fairly easy but it has some good terrain and nice jumps but with the serious head wind on race day, those jumps became hops. I was happy with how I raced though and that is all that I can control.

So here I am in Garmisch, Germany which will be home to the World Championships next year. After racing the Super-G last year here I was a little apprehensive about having such a difficult track to race at the end of the season but due to favourable conditions it is actually quite a fun and chill course. Tomorrow is going to be a great race and a great way to end.

It is not yet time to sit back and reflect, that will come in April, but a time to live in the moment and appreciate all the opportunities that have been given to me over the years.

The time is finally upon us. The World is watching. A new flame will be ignited.

In less than two weeks time, one of the world's largest sporting events will kick off in Vancouver, the Winter Olympics. This has been a moment I have been waiting for and anticipating, for many years. This has been a dream and goal of mine since 2006 when I decided that I wanted to compete at the Vancouver Olympics. This is the time to shine.

Although this season has been filled with the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, anything is possible over the next couple of weeks. The pressure, the anticipation and the expectations have taken the spirit of the games and put them slightly out of reach of the athletes. That will end the moment the flame is lit. I have never been more prepared in my life for an Olympic Games, I have no regrets and I understand that it is an opportunity that I will never again get.

As the world is coming to "our" stomping grounds, it is time to put on our game faces and take them on head on.

They say that pressure is a good thing. It is there because people believe in you. I believe that it has the power to inspire and the power to debilitate and as an athlete it is a constant balancing act. I have dealt with different levels of pressure throughout my life and sporting career and I think that it has all been in preparation for the 2010 Olympic Games. This year I finally overcame my nemesis, the Lake Louise World Cup. I finally embraced the pressure of competing at home instead of reacting to it. My results at the beginning of the season were an important building block and accomplishment for my goals this year at the Olympics.

These next two weeks are probably going to be some of the hardest weeks of my life. I have big goals and big expectations. I know that I need to work hard in order to succeed but I also know that I need to have fun and enjoy it all in order to succeed. It is all too easy to forget to stop and look around and enjoy the atmosphere, mood and environment. One of the benefits of a home Games is all the people on "your" side; all the people rooting for you. I need to embrace that side of it and enjoy the process. In the world of sports it is so easy to get fixated on the end result when in reality that is probably the worst thing you can do. Ideally, it should be all about the process, having your best run on that day and having no regrets. My goal is to have a smile on my face when I leave the start gate and to have confidence in my abilities to execute my goals.

There will be many stories of success that will unfold over the next couple of weeks. There will be many stories of defeated also told. There will be the underdogs that shined and the favourites who fell short but what we all have in common is the passion, dedication, support and perseverance that got us there. The Olympic Games is the bringing together of the world's best athletes and to just be a part of such amazing company is what the Olympic spirit is all about. There is no doubt in my mind that the Canadian athletes will do us proud. There is no doubt in my mind that we will live up to the expectations of a nation. There is no doubt that this will be an experience of a life time and I look forward to sharing my story after the Games come to an end at the end of February. Until then, watch, cheer, believe and support the athletes, coaches and support staff that have dedicated their lives to this powerful, uniting event; the Winter Olympic Games.

I have been coming to Europe for over a decade and I am constantly amazed by the hidden ski lifts and resorts, the unassuming hotels and gasthofs and the places they find to create villages!! In Canada you would never build a tunnel through a mountain......you would just drive around it. You would never put a village on a hill.....instead you would establish a little prairie town!

This morning I hopped into the back of our trusty little VW van and assumed my "daydreaming" state en route to the ski hill, giving no attention to where I was going. I knew that it was a new hill but I didn't really think much of it. Unbeknownst to me, this hill would turn out to be one of most beautiful vistas I have ever seen. After driving 20 minutes on a road, which in Canadian terms would be classified as a "walking path", we ended up at the end of a valley with mountains and open, white plains of snow surrounding us. There were two people skinning up the other side of the mountain from the ski hill and it was so amazing to follow their slow progress upwards and was quite jealous when they reach the top because the ski run down looked like a giant cone of meringue! I have always been a big advocate for the chairlift but people in Europe truly cherish the un-walked path......which usually leads straight up!

I had the hill to myself in which to enjoy a perfect Super-G training. Instead of people being annoyed by a course being set on a public ski run, they lined the course and watched and cheered; this alone sets Europe apart from North America! People here love skiing and love racing; it is contagious.

After a great morning I headed back to our hotel which is in nestled in the tiny town of St. Valentine (haven't found my Valentine yet!). It is a hundred year old building which has recently been restored and renovated; it is like stepping back in time and stepping into modern architecture simultaneously. The food is amazing, the people make me feel at home and the cappuccinos are to die for!

I realize that these little experiences are the ones that I will miss the most when I finish this crazy sport; these are the moments that I need to remember. From "Pinkies" notorious hut on Kitzbuhel Mountain where I spent an amazing New Year's Eve, to the restored historical hotels of the hidden valleys, Europe always has something special and unique to offer.

Last week I raced in the World Cup in Haus, Austria and although my results were far from what I expected and hoped for, I was so excited to get back into race mode and kick off the New Year. This is going to be a busy month of racing and training. Next up is Cortina, followed by St. Moritz, both on the top of my list as far as tracks and races go. My little epiphany today not only made me thankful for the opportunities given to me but also inspired me to work hard and keep believing. There is a chance and an opportunity at every race I compete in; last week was not my week but maybe next week it will be.

The balance between sport and life is a precarious line that is constantly changing, evolving and realigning.

As we come to the end of 2009 it is not only the time to sit back and reflect but also the time to look forward with anticipation of what is to come in 2010. This year, unlike some, is loaded with many personal stepping stones, landmarks and the unknown. As much as I try to live in the present, the draw to what is to come is very powerful this year. The Olympic Games are coming to Canada; they are coming to my backyard.

After the first half of the season, it is good to make a quick assessment of what went well, what needs attention and what needs to change. I love this time in the season because it is a nice break to have in order to refuel and rejuvenate for the big races to come.

This year, I decided to stay in Europe for my Christmas break. I did this for a couple of reason. One, I am trying to create a bubble around myself; one in which to protect myself physically, emotionally and mentally from pressure, expectations and demands that surround an Olympic host Nation. Second, I have such an amazing opportunity to be in Europe already so why not capitalize on it and go somewhere different. Rome it was.

Although there was no snow to be seen, we managed to make our apartment feel homey and festive. My Mom brought everything from homemade cookies, to Christmas crackers to a Christmas hand towel. I never thought that I would ever feel the "holiday spirit" away from Fernie but this Christmas proved me wrong.

I absolutely loved Rome and all that it had to offer. It is a city filled with tiny nooks and crannies, with hidden treasures to be found when you least expect it. The cappuccinos are world renowned and I am not too sure which there are more of - police officers, cafes, pizzerias or fountains! I was enthralled by the number of historic landmarks and was amazed by the immensity of the architectural buildings that stood right in front of my eyes. The organized chaos runs so true to the Italian stereotype and the value of family is blatantly obvious.

In the tiny little bubble where I spend most of my time, opportunities to appreciate the history and diversity of Europe are often not top priority. I love coming out of the ski world and immersing myself in something so different and so eye opening. Rome is a city in which you can lose yourself in. The mazelike cobblestone streets are never ending and uncannily similar; the only way to find home is the good old fashion map. In my opinion, the best way to see a city is through calculated wandering and exploring; off the beaten track is where the true heart of the cities are found.

After spending 6 days in the beautiful Italian city it is back to Kirchberg, Austria and the snow, mountains and skiing. I am so excited for the second half of this exciting and inspiring season. I wish everyone a happy Holiday Season and all the best in the New Year.