“I caught the eye of this guy who was a master. He saw this young precocious New Zealand style which was indelibly Māori. It moved like lightening, it moved like an eel, it was amazing. It was shamanic for him.”
So happy I got a lesson in 1980’s New Zealand ski racing dominance in the form of this short video about Māori legend Simon Wi Rutene. Simon
represented his country in four Olympic Games and was known to compete in the traditional Tā moko facial markings of his people. What an incredible personality and unique piece of ski racing history. Koa!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BNySGpWDXFm/?hl=en&taken-by=simonwirutene

https://www.instagram.com/p/BNq4-7gjXlf/?hl=en&taken-by=simonwirutene

https://www.instagram.com/p/BNpOoiIDmbe/?hl=en&taken-by=simonwirutene

images from simonwirutene ig

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Francis Xavier is a seasoned writer for Unofficial Networks, bringing a lifetime of outdoor experience to his work. Having lived in a ski resort town for years he has a deep connection to mountain culture....