By Sarah Tone, Communications Coordinator
Para Nordic skier Jesse Bachinsky has been to three Canada Games with Team Manitoba, and he’s built up a lot of experience since his debut in 2015.
“I have done a lot of racing over the years and every time I race I feel like I just gain more experience. My most memorable time has been getting to go to different places, and taking in the culture. I love it all. I get to learn lots all the time, and you build and build on each experience.”
Jesse’s a driven competitor. He’s medalled in all three sets of Games he’s participated in. He’s bringing home a bronze medal from the 2.5 km Classic Para-Nordic Standing Male event earlier this week. He pushes himself really hard to get the results he’s after.
“In the past, I would go really, really hard in my previous races, and then what I did was I have to really think about not going too hard, just easing into it, and then you develop a flow pattern, and once you’re in there, it’s a big pathway that you can just gain and it helps a lot.”
He’s been skiing with his guide Levi Nadlersmith for the last 3.5 years. Para-nordic ski guides lead their athletes along the course, so they train together to build trust in the leadup to big events. In Jesse’s case, since he’s visually impaired, Levi assists him with directional cues and prompts over a two-way radio.
“The biggest thing is just spending time with him, so getting lots of time in on skis. And then for racing, we try to do the course lots. He’s really good at memorizing the course and the things he needs to focus on,” said Levi
“I couldn’t do what I do without Levi and he goes above and beyond all the time. I’m so lucky to have him and we’re a good team.”
Levi is also a Team Manitoba alumni. He competed on the cross country ski team in both 2019 and 2015 as an athlete.
“I’ve been to two Canada Games and the youth Olympics. The multi-sport events are a lot busier, there are a lot more athletes and a different schedule. So being used to that has been a huge help as an athlete and a guide,” said Levi.
Making the switch from athlete to guide was a relatively easy one for Levi, as he was very familiar with the sport, ski testing and choosing skis. The skiing aspect was pretty straightforward.
“Some aspects to guiding are a little more unique, like being more aware of the course, and memorizing the course, and making sure he’s [Jesse] familiar with the downhills and all the sketchy sections. Definitely have to think a lot more when you’re guiding someone to help him ski the best race he can.”
Multi-sport Games bring an opportunity to meet new people, to travel to new places, and to challenge What sticks out for Jesse is his chance to make his mark in the sport and inspire the next generation.
“I love to be the best role model I can be for other people, and basically just have fun with it and see where it goes, and to take it to some great places.”
He and Levi are taking some time off after the Games. They’ll pick training back up in the summer and have set a goal to qualify for a world cup in the fall.
