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| Contributed photo/Courtesy of Deborah and Christopher Currier A young Russell Currier, at around 10 years old, skis a Stockholm field with his mother (with infant sister Lauren in tow) and the family dog. Now 26, Currier has been named to the U.S. Biathlon Team and will compete in the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia. |
From Stockholm to Sochi
By Paula Brewer
Special to the Aroostook Republican
For Chris and Debbie Currier of Stockholm, this year’s Winter Olympics represent so much more than seeing the world’s best athletes vie for medals. This year they will see their son, 26-year-old Stockholm native Russell Currier, compete with the U.S. Biathlon Team – and they will be there in Sochi, Russia, absorbing the Olympic experience firsthand.
“We knew it was coming,” Chris Currier said, reflecting on being the parent of an Olympian. “It wasn’t a question of if, but when. The drive and determination he has are just amazing.”
“Through all his ups and downs, he never stopped wanting to keep on,” added Debbie Currier.
Both the Curriers are originally from Caribou but moved to Stockholm, where Russell attended the Stockholm School, along with his sister Lauren, now a nurse at Cary Medical Center. Though the school has since closed, its influence was positive. “There’s something about being in a small school,” Chris pointed out. “It was really noticeable that all the older kids knew the younger kids by name and watched out for them.”
In the close-knit community, events like the Stockholm Winter Carnival drew people of all ages to the ski trails. Although Russell first got on skis at around 5 or 6 years old, he was about 11 when he began with the Maine Winter Sports Center. When MWSC personnel came along and began teaching area children in all aspects of skiing – from technique to how to take care of the equipment – Russell caught the spark.
“He became a different kid,” his mother said of the interest and the drive that began to develop.
“It was amazing,” his father echoed. “The whole school, all eight grades, were on skis. They didn’t just give them the equipment; they showed them how to use it.”
As County folk revel in seeing one of their own represent the U.S., the Curriers are grateful for the community support.
“They’ve been awesome. They’ve always supported him,” Debbie said, adding how wonderful it is to have so many people come up to congratulate them on their son’s achievement.
“Every town claims him, really,” Chris noted. “The support has been pretty widespread. It proves you don’t have to be from a big metropolitan area to succeed.”
The Curriers are headed to Sochi in about two weeks. Their applications for visas have been mailed, said Debbie, and they have their plane tickets.
“We leave early in the morning on Feb. 6, and will arrive there late in the day on Feb. 7,” she noted. The U.S. Biathlon Association has been helping them find accommodations.
It looks to be a whirlwind of activity. “It’ll be an adventure,” she said. “We might be able to attend the Winter Games opening ceremonies, and we have tickets for all the biathlon events.” Plans are also in the works for them to visit the Olympic Village.
As Aroostook County cheers him on, the Curriers will literally carry many good wishes with them. A spaghetti supper is planned this Sunday, Jan. 26, at Caribou High School, where good-luck cards will be signed for the local Olympian, which his parents will take with them to Sochi. Donations will also be accepted to help with their travel expenses.
Chris and Debbie both attested to their son’s hard work, both in skiing and shooting, to prepare for the world events. “He has the speed and endurance,” Chris said. “You have to be in tune with your body and heart rate, so that when you come to the range you can hold the gun steady.”
No matter what, the experience has put this County family on cloud nine. “I’m kind of a bundle of nerves,” Debbie concluded, “but it’s all worth it.”
