Speed Skater Skyler Kah set for Siberia
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Skyler Kah is ready for Universiade 2019
Photo: Skyler Kah
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Congratulations to Monash speed skating champion and
medicine student Skyler Kah, who will follow in his father’s footsteps when he
and his brother Josh (Melbourne University), compete at the 2019 Winter
Universiade in March.
Skyler’s father and three time Olympian, Danny Kah,
competed and won Gold in the 3000m speed skate at the 1985 Winter Universiade
in Belluno Italy and now, his two sons hope to return home with Golds of their
own.
“The Winter Universiade is the one competition I've been
looking forward to more than the others I have done this season.” Skyler said.
“I've attended 4 World Cups in Canada, USA, Germany and
Italy but I just can't wait to experience Russia, especially the freezing
temperatures of Siberia.”
Both the Kah brothers qualified for the short track
competition commencing on the 4th of March, Skyler however, is the
only Australian to have qualified all three Olympic qualifying times and has
high hopes for the event.
“The ambitions I have for racing in Krasnoyarsk range from
skating an 8.45 second lap to making sure I'm completely prepared for each
race, focusing on blocking, passing and being in the right position.
“I want to make sure my team members have everything they
need and I hope to cheer on the other UniRoos in their winter sports after mine
has finished.”
Skyler credited race preparation as a key to his success.
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Skyler with his Father [Danny] and brother [Josh]
Photo: Skyler Kah
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“I know what to do before competing - from eating the right
foods, to warming up and tying my boots up the prefect tightness, all this is
learnt from experience.”
The Winter Universiade is an international, multi-sport
event, second only to the Winter Olympic Games in terms of number of athletes
and countries that compete.
It brings together student athletes from all over the
globe, for what is considered to be an elite level of competition involving the
best athletes that student winter sport has to offer.
Skyler thanked Team MONASH for “always being supportive of
my [his] studies and training”.
From multiple grants, gym memberships and assisting in exam
deferral, “I cannot thank them enough”.
We wish Skyler all the best in Siberia, Team MONASH is
behind you!
“Uncomfortable isn’t your limit.” – Skyler Kah 2019
Written by: Joseph Arthur, Media Coordinator
