Mac Marcoux looks ahead to the alpine skiing’s season

Canada’s Paralympic champion is already training with his new guide, Jack Leitch, and focusing on the next events. 18 Oct 2016
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Mac Marcoux in a close-up focussing on the slalom pole in front of him

Canada's Mac Marcoux

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By Corey Dempsey | For the IPC

“I am confident that we are working well together and am just getting more excited every day for race season”.

Canada’s Mac Marcoux is getting ready for the upcoming Para alpine skiing season with his new guide Jack Leitch, following the retirement of his previous guide and brother Billy Joe Marcoux.

The 19-year-old already anticipates what it will be like to compete with Leitch, who he met in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada, last summer.

“We are into our second camp on snow together,” said Marcoux.

“There are always going to be challenges when working with a new guide but I feel that Jack Leitch and I are a great fit. He is a very strong and confident skier which made the transition very easy for me.

“I am confident that we are working well together and am just getting more excited every day for race season”.

Even though he is no longer training with his brother Billy Joe, Marcoux says his brother has had a big impact on his career to date.

“The thing or person that has influenced me throughout my career so far the most is my brother. I would not be where I am today without him pushing me to be the best I can be on and off the snow!” he said.

Marcoux is coming off a successful 2015/16 season, taking the Crystal Globe in the downhill and the super G. But the Canadian knows he will need to be in his best possible form to continue his winning run in the upcoming months.

“This season is definitely looking busier than most with another World Cup added to the circuit, World Champs coming up at the end of January and the test event for Korea in March,” he said.

Marcoux claimed one gold and two bronzes at Sochi 2014 guided by Robin Femy, who replaced an injured Billy Joe at those Paralympic Winter Games.

Now, he is hoping to build a strong bond with Leitch to qualify for his second Paralympic Winter Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea, between 9-18 March 2018.

“We both share similar strengths and weaknesses making it easy for both of us to work on our skiing together,” he said.