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| Adam Lamhamedi of Morocco skis into the finish area of the Alpine Skiing Men’s Super G on Saturday (photo courtesy Winter Youth Olympics). |
INNSBRUCK – Morocco has only one athlete participating at the Innsbruck 2012 Olympic Winter Games and he is now a Gold medallist after winning the Alpine Skiing Men’s Super G on Saturday.
Adam LAMHAMEDI (MAR) grabbed the Gold with a time of 1 minute 04.45 seconds, and afterwards insisted his win proves anything is possible.
“This represents that in life you can do everything, never give up,” he said. “We came from Africa and we won in Alpine Skiing, so all is possible.”
LAMHAMEDI lives in Quebec and was originally Canada’s top-ranked Alpine Skiing qualifier for the Games.
He trains with the Canadian team and wears the same outfit, but LAMHAMEDI has always dreamed of representing Morocco.
“It’s a personal choice,” he said. “I wanted to prove Moroccans can ski well, and I proved it today.”
LAMHAMEDI’s father was born in Morocco and relatives and friends of the 16 year old travelled from there, France, and Canada to join his parents in the snowy grandstand at the base of this challenging Super G course at Patscherkofel.
“The Moroccan Ski Federation, as well as the Olympic Committee, they have put a lot of work, faith, and trust into Adam,” LAMHAMEDI’s coach, Martin COTE (MAR), said. “We are all just honoured to represent Morocco here today and for the whole Olympics.”
LAMHAMEDI, with several top-20 finishes in Canadian FIS races, will now be considered a major contender for more medals at the Games. He is set to compete in all four Alpine Skiing events, continuing with the Men’s Super Combined on Sunday.
