Peter Adam Crook will be representing the VI at the Winter Olympics in Sochi next year. Photo: Provided

Crook used the establishment of the BVI Ski Association to ensure he could compete in International Skiing Events like World Cups and also gain points that gives him the necessary ranking to qualify for Sochi. Photo: Provided

Crook’s story makes you think of the Jamaican Bob Sleigh team that featured in film “Cool Runnings” or the progress of the Grenadian Ice Skater, with the difference of course that the Jamaicans trained at home whilst Crook travels the United States and Europe in search of the Snow.

In a recent interview, Crook admitted the off season had flown by and had been enjoying some down time with friends “I’ve basically just been enjoying my time off and utilizing the last bit of summer. I’ve been to California a couple of times to go surf, skating a bunch in and around Park City, camping occasionally and mainly just having a good time with friends.”

As for the highlights of his 2013 season, Crook has just released a compilation reel and was pleased to claim his first podium finish and also stay injury free as the countdown for Sochi 2014 begins. “I managed to make it through the whole season without injury, I had my first big podium, I got to travel to a bunch of new places, and was able to film a lot more than usual which I was really stoked about. All in all, I just had a really amazing time,” he commented.

Crook used the establishment of the BVI Ski Association to ensure he could compete in International Skiing Events like World Cups and also gain points that gives him the necessary ranking to qualify for Sochi. “My dad and I formed the BVI Ski Association three years ago,” confirmed Crook. “I’d say that the biggest challenge we faced was initially putting the concept before the BVI Olympic Committee. We had the task of explaining to them exactly what halfpipe skiing was. There was definitely some confusion as many had never been exposed to the sport and there certainly isn’t any snow in the BVI! Once we got the approval from the Olympic Committee we submitted and applied to FIS and waited for the confirmation which came shortly afterwards.”

A couple of months ago Crook spent some time speaking at a couple of schools on Tortola in an effort to educate more people on the Half Pipe and also to maybe inspire some to believe dreams can be reached and goals attained. “I definitely got some funny looks because it was a lot of people’s first time ever seeing free skiing, or any sport to do with a half pipe, jumps, rails,” he said. “I spoke at two different schools on Tortola, one of which was the school that I used to attend, so that was a really awesome experience. I wanted to inspire these kids, let them know that they should set goals for themselves, and that anything is possible if you put enough hard work and effort into it. It was something new to me and I really enjoyed it. I hope to do more motivational speaking like this when I return in October.”

As far as the Sochi Games go, Crook confirmed one of the most exciting aspects would be the chance to represent the country at the Olympics and the fact that everyone will be skiing the best they ever have in front of the biggest crowd and audience ever seen.