GUAY ON FAMILIAR GROUND
Skier's back for big test
Returning to the Lake Louise course on which he made history last year, Erik Guay knows he can count on close to two dozen friends and family members to be behind him at this weekend's World Cup races.
Perhaps more importantly, he can count on his younger brother being in front of him.
Guay's 18-year-old sibling, Stefan, was recently named to Canada's national development team and will be a forerunner for Saturday's season-opening downhill -- Erik's first big test following nine months of rehab.
It's a setup Guay wished could have been played out before an ill-fated training run in Val Gardena, Italy, last December when, as first racer out of the gate, he crashed. Unaware of how severe a new jump on the course was, his training session ended with him being airlifted to hospital. His knee pain increased when he was told his season was over.
"I was actually thinking in the helicopter I'd be out a couple days because it only hurt for about five minutes," said the 23-year-old downhiller from Quebec.
"Right away, the Canadian doctor said I was done for the season."
Flown home immediately for surgery, Guay had a refreshingly upbeat attitude about an injury that came two weeks after opening the season by becoming the first Canadian to climb onto Lake Louise's podium.
"Most athletes, especially skiers, go through something like that and a lot of people say that an injury makes you better mentally," said Guay, starting to smile.
"My doctor told me that my left knee would be stronger than it was before the surgery so I asked him, 'Why didn't you do the other leg at the same time?' "
Back on snow in July after nine months of rehab, Guay said he feels strong on his skis during training but knows a big test will come today during the first training run. What's more, he knows his performance last year will ensure he'll be thrust front and centre by the Canadian media.
"I don't really feel there's pressure because it's a little naive to think I can come back after nine months off and be on the podium," said the speed specialist, who would be thrilled with a top-20 finish in Saturday's downhill or Sunday's super-G.
"This is really a starting point for me. I'll see how I do and build from there. It could be weeks or more than a month before I'm completely comfortable again."
Guay's comfort level is aided by a course with which he's obviously familiar and a cheering section that will explode when he crosses the finish line -- soon after his brother does.
"Last year, he was a forerunner, too, so that's a good thing," laughed Guay, hoping deep down he might be able to recreate the magic that saw him grab national headlines by finishing second at Lake Louise last year.
"I'll be up in the starting gate with him. He's going to be a really good skier."
Funny, that's what they've been saying about Erik, who was instantly seen as the man who will lead the team at the 2010 Whistler Games after he finished sixth in downhill and Super-G at the 2003 World Championships.
"I'll be 28 then -- right in my prime," smiled Guay. "It should be exciting."
So should this weekend.
For the whole family.