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Injury no setback for Lockey: coach

Adaptive snowboarder and Rosslander Ian Lockey’s debut in the Winter X Games in Aspen last weekend ended unfortunately with a dislocated shoulder after a gap jump on the boarder cross course.

Adaptive snowboarder and Rosslander Ian Lockey’s debut in the Winter X Games in Aspen last weekend ended unfortunately with a dislocated shoulder after a gap jump on the boarder cross course.

Adaptive boarder crossers are disabled athletes who have adapted their technique and style so they can compete on the same platform as able-bodied riders.

“He came off a jump not quite right and just wasn’t able to land it,” said head coach Candice Drouin who was there with Lockey and Canadian Paralympian Tyler Mosher for three days of training prior to the race.

“It was a hard course,” Drouin said. “I’ve been to eight X Games and I’m pretty versed in X Game courses. There were a lot of injuries. X Games is not for the weak of heart.”

She noted that several able-bodied Canadian athletes on the skier and boarder cross course were injured as a result of this event.

“It’s the largest course Ian and Tyler have ever ridden,” she continued. “The final jump is 70 feet.”

“Ian’s doing fine. He’s happy and stoked he came down. In the big picture it was a success with a little setback of an injury,” she said.

The inclusion of adaptive snowboard cross in the Winter X Games showcased the event to the world.

“It is a huge step for the sport,” Drouin explained.

Although it was an exhibition event this year, “hopefully next year we can be a full medal sport and it will help it be included in Sochi 2014,” she said about the next Winter Olympics.

“Logistically, [it shows how] you can run an able-bodied alongside an adaptive course, side-by-side,” she said.

This year, including Lockey and Mosher, only six adaptive boarders competed.

“We had some great talent out,” Drouin said. “In the future, hopefully we’ll have more numbers.”

Despite the injuries, Drouin is a big fan of the X Games.

“It’s one of the best events of the year. It pushes limits. It tests your skill and your ability to overcome. And it’s fun to scare yourself!”