Calgary (AB), Canada – Canadian Alpine Ski Team member Kelly McBroom is hitting the books and heading back to school.
The 22-year-old, from Canmore, Alberta, is planning to take a break from competing on the World Cup circuit to attend Montana State University this fall.
McBroom, who is currently recovering from a serious leg injury, hasn’t given up on her skiing career. If all goes well, she hopes to ski at the NCAA level this year before exploring whether to attempt to re-qualify for the national team.
“It’s the best thing for me at this time,” said McBroom. “I’m injured and I won’t be on snow for a while so it makes sense to start school and get an education. The door is not closed on ski racing. For now, I’m just taking a step back and doing everything I can to get healthy.”
McBroom, who has aspirations of working as a physiotherapist when her skiing career draws to a close, is taking a four-year course at MSU. She’s looking at possibly doing business with a minor in sports science.
McBroom has been a member of the Canadian Alpine Ski Team since 2007. She returned to competitive skiing in Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada in December 2010, after fighting her way back from a serious knee injury. But in January 2011, McBroom fractured her left tibia during a training run in Saalbach, Austria. She underwent surgery and is making good progress. Doctors say she could return to snow as early as this fall.
“Racing for Canada and being on the national team has been absolutely fantastic,” said McBroom. “It’s been unfortunate that I’ve had some pretty serious injuries but the friendships I’ve made, the experiences I’ve had, it’s been great.”
Hugues Ansermoz, head coach of Canada’s ladies’ team, praised McBroom’s dedication and talent.
“This is the ideal choice for Kelly. She’s not losing a year, she’s going to school to study and also to ski,” said Ansermoz. “The door to the national team, to ski racing, is always open.
Kelly is a very talented skier, very committed and strong. The problem for her has been trying to stay healthy. Last year her goal was to have a year without injury but it didn’t work out. We will be watching her progress and hoping she does well.”