press release
rdnewsNOW
"Rocky Mountain House snowboarder seeking Canada’s support to achieve Olympic dream"
Salmon Arm Observer
"Okanagan athlete asks for support in pursuing Olympic dream"
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Revelstoke Review
"Okanagan athlete asks for support in pursuing Olympic dream"
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TheSports.org
"Snowboarding-Kennedy Justinen"
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2022 NorAm Season
With two World Cup under my belt and multiple Europa Cups, it was well within reach to rank in the top 3 overall on the NorAm Cup to receive a personal World Cup spot for the 2023 season.
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The overall rankings are based on the athlete's best 6 results. Pictured is a heat from the kickoff event in Banff Sunshine Village, AB. Pictured on the left, I started the season strong with two Big Final results 2nd & 4th.
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Moving on to Gore Mountain, NY, Big White, BC, and Beaver Valley, ON I found myself ranked second overall with the following results. 2nd & 2nd, 3rd & 5th, and 2nd & 3rd respectively.
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As the season progressed I found myself content but craving more. I knew I could easily reach
my season goal to finish in the top 3 but with two events left, I dug deep for a win.
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Canadian Nationals were hosted in Mt. Orignal, QC and this course felt quite familiar. I had placed in the top 8 two years prior so I was prepared to leave it all on the table. I had the fastest time in qualifications, giving me the best gate choice in each heat. I finished both the quarter-final and semi-final heats in 1st, sending me to the Big Final for the day. With the help of my coach I chose the most direct line into the course and I finally won a race.
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Although I had won, it wouldn't have been an sbx season without a curve ball. Two days after Nationals I tested positive for Covid-19 in an attempt to head to Copper Mountain, USA for the final event of the season.
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At this point in the season I was still ranked 2nd place overall. I had positioned myself well-enough throughout the season that even though I couldn't race in Colorado, the worst I could finish was 3rd overall, based on other riders results. Goal accomplished.
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Younger days
Rocky Mountain House, AB
I was born and raised in Rocky Mountain House, Alberta. My two brothers and I spent a lot of time playing outside. Our parents encouraged us to use our imaginations and stay active. I played many sports from swimming to hockey, baseball, soccer, gymnastics and dance.
I learned to snowboard at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort at age 10, but I never got really good at the basics. Growing up in Rocky, elite training programs weren't available for snow sports. So I put my energy elsewhere...
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I spent middle school & highschool playing more accessible sports. Basketball was my favorite. I was able to travel to Lake Louise, AB to snowboard on some weekends, but I remained cautious; in fear of getting injured and not being able to play ball.
Fresh adult ways
Kelowna, BC
From 2012-2015 I owned and operated a small business with my younger brother, we called it
QK Lawn Care. Together we maintained 36 properties May-October. I moved to Kelowna, BC in November of 2014 and I spent most of my time on the slopes during the 2014/15 season. I had seen a couple snowboardcross competitions in Big White and I was always drawn to the adrenaline rush. I had a need for speed... (maybe that's why I was nicknamed KenBlock)
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In 2017 I attended post-secondary at MC College Kelowna. I pursued a trade as a Hairstylist. I also spent a lot of focused time on the slopes, with friends who encouraged me to compete; after entering a fun race in Big White.
Competition Craze
Big White, BC
Every part of my life brings me back to snowboarding. After competing for fun, I got in touch with the Executive Director of BC Snowboard & entered into a Provincial series in March of 2018. I was excited and terrified all at once.
I peed my pants a little in that first race... I knew I was in the right place.
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I was the eldest competitor at this event, and the younger girls were fierce. I placed 1st in race #1 and 2nd in race #2. The coach that mentored me here, suggested I compete in Western Canadian Championships the following week. It was there that I saw what the sport was REALLY like. Specialized race boards, coaches brushing wax out of boards seconds before heats were dropping, and Olympic athletes from the 2018 Winter Games.
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I placed second last... BUT I got to watch the racing, see, feel and hear the intensity. I also met a coach who has played a key role in my personal-development, on and off the sbx track. I didn't know who they were at the time, however, I admired the way they critiqued the athlete's ability. I was drawn to their constructive criticism and apparent knowledge of the sport.