LENOX -- Lindsay Blagg uses the power of positive thinking.
The 28-year-old Special Olympian was confident officials with the Massachusetts Special Olympics would select her to compete for Team USA at the Special Olympic World Winter Games in South Korea later this month.
The alpine skier's confidence level was based, in part, on having won three gold medals in the state winter games in 2012.
"And because I've had other friends go to another country and now was my chance," she said.
In May, Blagg's positive attitude was rewarded when she and five other Bay State athletes were chosen to participate in the games scheduled for Jan. 29-Feb. 5 in PyeongChang, due east of Seoul.
The Lenox Memorial High School graduate is scheduled to compete in slalom, giant slalom and downhill events against hundreds of other skiers from across the globe.
Paula Blagg was surprised and thrilled her daughter was selected to compete internationally for the first time. Since the announcement, mom says it's been non-stop preparation for the trip halfway around the world.
"It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," she said. "It's an adventure for all three of us."
Paula and her husband Noel Blagg, both physicians, will travel to watch their daughter compete. Lindsay is taking time off from her two jobs at retail stores in order to compete.
Lindsay's two younger sisters, Jennifer and Kristin, will stay behind, but they will follow their sibling
Lindsay first hit the slopes at age 5, with her Special Olympics skiing career beginning 10 years later. She has gradually improved her skills over the past 13 years and was elevated last spring from intermediate to advanced status -- the highest level in Special Olympics -- according to her local coach, Pat White.
White says that with Blagg relatively new to the higher ranking, she will compete at the intermediate level in South Korea. He expects her star pupil to hold her own against the world's top Special Olympic skiers.
"Her confidence has grown tremendously as have her skills," she said. "I think she is doing well."
"I'm also skiing better with my new boots," added Blagg.
White is also going to South Korea, but as a spectator. Blagg will have the same Team USA coach she worked with during training camp at Lake Placid, N.Y., in December.
After a few days off to visit relatives, Blagg returned to practice on Sunday at Ski Butternut, where White is also an instructor.
Paula Blagg expects her daughter to remain sharp.
"She's very focused on her technique and very consistent, that's what makes her so good," she said.
While Lindsay would love to win a medal, she simply wants to perform as well as she can.
"I don't want to fall," she said. "I want to stay on my skis and do well."
"All I ask of my skiers is they do their best," added White. "I'm just proud to have a skier going to the world games."
To reach Dick Lindsay:
rlindsay@berkshireeagle.com,
or (413) 496-6233.
Font Resize
