From orphan in Puerto Vallarta to competitive international skiing

At age 3, the journey for “Jesus de Dios” now named Rodolfo Roberto after his Mexican godfather and his late Canadian grandfather, Brian Robert Dickson began.

Rodolfo Roberto was orphaned at nine months and lived at Casa Hogar, an orphanage in Puerto Vallarta. He was adopted at age 3 by Canadians who owned a property in Mismaloya and loved the Mexican culture. Rodolfo was still in a diaper and did not speak a word – not even Spanish. He was diagnosed with LEARNING DISABILITIES. School counsellors, teachers, and other educators believed that his opportunities were limited – they claimed he would struggle in academics and his chances for college or university an unrealistic goal. Rodolfo displayed great athletic ability. The parents saw a bright boy who missed early development opportunities and believed that, in time, with the right help, Rodolfo Roberto would prove them wrong.  HE DID!

His ski racing journey began at the age of 6 after a vacation in Mont Tremblant, Quebec where he put on his first skis. Rodolfo loved the snow, he loved the speed. He found his passion. He continued his ski racing winning medals and trophies with the Milton Heights Racing Club, Ontario.

Rodolfo’s continuing struggles with academics prompted his parents to enroll Rodolfo in the National Ski Academy in Collingwood, Ontario an elite school for alpine ski racers headed by Jurg Gfeller. Rodolfo studied and trained for five years with the NSA until he graduated from high school. He trained in Switzerland, United States, and Canada. He received bronze, silver and gold medals in K2 and U18.  In his final year at the academy, Rodolfo had his first overall FIS GOLD MEDAL win in Whiteface, New York 2015; was awarded a plaque by the school as their “Best Racing Results “FIS” Male for 2014-2015 ; and graduated as an ONTARIO SCHOLAR.

Today, Rodolfo Roberto represents Mexixo as an FIS ALPINE SKI RACER.

In October, 2015, Rodolfo Roberto enrolled in the Ambition Ski Racing Academy UK full time FIS program held in Leogang, Austria. Training in Europe is different than in Canada – it is very challenging.

www.alpinemexico.com

Facebook: rodolfo.roberto.dickson.sommers