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About this Official
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[
Contact Kathy via Email
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Name:
Kathy A O'Donnell |
Nickname:
[NA]
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Hails From:
Rotorua, North Island New Zealand | |
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Interview
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What got you into officiating?
As soon as Gary got the footing "bug" I got roped into judging. Whilst I have footed (I think I may be one of the only skiers who can/could go forwards & backwards, but doing nothing else!!), I was never a likely competitor, as I like sunshine, warm water etc before getting wet! Not always the given conditions at a tournament! There was definitely more hope for me in the boat than in the water, and so began my long involvement as an official.
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Why do you continue to officiate?
I continue to have a passion for this great sport and sharing it with others. I have enjoyed becoming involved at all levels of the sport, in different roles as an official. I enjoy encouraging others into learning the roles of officiating, although this is becoming more difficult (in NZ anyway!). I enjoy helping skiers to improve their level of skiing, by being able to share with them some of the technicalities / rules.
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Who has inspired you in this sport?
I first learned the tricks of our trade from Sue Carne - a firm teacher who ensured we knew our rules!!
I think that I'm probably inspired by the skiers! I appreciate the effort & skill that they have, and enjoy seeing the improvements that they continue to make in our sport. This is making our role more difficult, but it's great that the skill level conitnues to improve.
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What skiers have you enjoyed watching and why?
While I enjoy watching everyone out there giving "footing" a go, I have always enjoyed watching Andre de Villiers skiing. When I first judged him I was very nervous, but found it was like watching in slow motion - everything was clear & clean!
I also particularly enjoy watching young skiers out on the water. It's great to see the joy they get from achieving new heights in tricks and slalom.
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What other activities do you participate in?
I have always been involved in any sport that my girls have done, so am apt at assisting in athletics, basketball etc.
I also probably spend as much of my time involved in netball as I do in barefooting. Whilst I still enjoy playing myself, my involvement in other roles means I am less able to do so now. I umpire when needed, but most of my time in netball is spent in the role of managing.
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What is your motto?
"Play hard. play fair and have fun!"
I guess for me as a judge this means doing my job well! As an official, (in all sports I'm involved in) nothing bothers me more than knowing the results are not a true reflection of the event.
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