Neil Kindree is only 18 years old, but his outstanding achievements have already placed him in the 小蓝视频 Sports Hall of Fame - at least for the next year.
The Squamish mountain bike racer was a guest of honour during last week's Premier's Athletic Awards ceremony. As a way of recognizing Kindree and 76 other top athletes' achievements, an exhibit entitled 2000s Gallery - Road to the Olympics has placed their pictures and accomplishments on a prominent wall at the entrance of the Hall of Fame in 小蓝视频 Place Stadium for one year.
Kindree said that the best part about attending the ceremony was getting to rub elbows with the province's elite athletes."There was the world ping pong champion there, everyone from horse racing to soccer, and hanging out with them out was really cool," he said.
The exhibit will be updated annually until 2010 and will also depict the road to the Olympics with monthly updates showing the construction of facilities, the progress of potential championships in training and the Olympic story as it develops leading to 2010.
Kindree was recognized for last year's achievements, which included winning a provincial time trial championship and the 小蓝视频 Cup Circuit as a junior. But he suspects the recognition came for another reason: even though juniors begin the circuit two minutes behind the pro racers, Kindree consistently caught and passed the first pro, beating everyone to the finish line.
"I think that's what got all the attention," he said.
Kindree said he was "super excited" about the recognition, but he refuses to take all the glory. He has a long list of supporters including sponsors and Corsa Cycles, which has given Kindree knowledge and discounts since he began racing at the age of nine. But he always tops the list with his parents.
Kindree has big plans for the coming year, including attending the Nationals in Quebec in June, and he hopes to be selected to represent Canada in the World championship in Belgium in September. And is he really on the road to the Olympics?
"It's a long was away and a lot of stuff has to happen but I would like to go to the Olympics."
