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- My 15-year-old is training for the 2034 Olympics. We are considering looking for financial sponsors for him. (businessinsider.com)
Local Teen Gavin Canzano Soars Towards Olympic Dreams, Family Makes Sacrifices
Lake Placid, NY – Fifteen-year-old Gavin Canzano is already making waves in the world of aerial skiing, with his sights firmly set on the 2034 Olympics. Hailing from a family deeply rooted in winter sports, Gavin’s journey from a shy child to a confident aerialist is a testament to his talent and the unwavering support of his family.
Sarah Canzano, Gavin’s mother, shares insights into the family’s unique lifestyle, which revolves around fostering their son’s athletic ambitions. While she admits to not being a skier herself, her husband, a former downhill skier, introduced Gavin and his younger brother, Deacon, to the slopes at the tender age of two or three.
“Gavin was a different kid on the mountain,” Sarah recounts. “He was so confident. We used to say that skiing was like oxygen to him.”
Gavin’s natural aptitude for aerials quickly became apparent. At eight, he joined the Bristol Mountain Freestyle team, a known feeder program for the US Ski Team. By 14, his talent earned him an invitation to the prestigious Project Gold aerial camp in Lake Placid, a pivotal moment that solidified his commitment to the sport.
Today, Gavin is a member of the US Ski Team’s national development program for aerials, training at the Olympic Training Center in Lake Placid and competing across the country.
Balancing Ambition and Adolescence
Raising an elite teenage athlete comes with its own set of challenges, as Sarah explains. “He’s a 15-year-old boy.
He makes mistakes,” she states. However, the family’s commitment remains strong, provided Gavin continues to work hard in all aspects of his life – academically, athletically, and personally.
Gavin has also had to understand the sacrifices required for his Olympic pursuit, including missed school days and limited time with friends. “We will work hard for you as long as you are working hard for yourself,” is the family mantra.
Crucially, the Canzanos emphasize that Gavin’s passion drives their support. “If he ever got to the point where he didn’t want to do it anymore, we would never make him,” Sarah affirms, acknowledging the significant investment made but prioritizing Gavin’s well-being and his ability to advocate for himself.
A Family Affair: Lifestyle Adjustments and Unsung Heroes
The family’s lifestyle has transformed to accommodate Gavin’s training and competition schedule. Family vacations to sunny islands have been replaced with trips to snowy mountains.
Sarah, a travel agent, notes, “We’ve definitely had to change our plans several times for him, but we never put that burden on him. This is our family’s choice.”
To ensure that Deacon, Gavin’s younger brother, also maintains a sense of normalcy, Sarah and her husband often “divide and conquer,” with one parent traveling with Gavin while the other stays home with Deacon. This arrangement, while meaning more time apart for the parents, also allows for valuable one-on-one time with each child.
Sarah credits Deacon as “the real hero here,” for his unwavering support and pride in his older brother’s achievements.
Eyes on the Prize: The 2034 Olympics
While the ultimate goal is the 2034 Olympics, the Canzanos are taking Gavin’s journey one step at a time, prioritizing enjoyment and mental well-being. Gavin even has “have fun” written on his skis as a constant reminder.
The family is also beginning to consider seeking financial sponsors to support Gavin’s increasingly demanding path. Despite the daunting prospect of a decade-long journey, Sarah’s confidence in her son’s abilities has grown to the point where she can now watch him jump without closing her eyes.
“My job as his mom is balance,” Sarah concludes, highlighting the delicate act of providing guidance while empowering her son to chase his dreams.