randy was an artist and an athlete. he loved being outdoors and enjoyed the speed and excitement of snowboarding, cycling, and skeleton. in his last years, he spent time pursuing his artistic dreams in new york city, working in photography and holographic portraiture. to view samples of randy’s artwork, please visit maker. randy died in new york city in december 2003 at age 32, after a 7-year battle with thyroid cancer. the video below by 2006 olympian and winner of the rpm award eric bernotas conveys some of randy’s enthusiasm for skeleton and his sense of fun. eric’s brother, allan bernotas, wrote the following story during a period when allan, eric, and randy roomed together at the olympic training center in lake placid. the price family is very grateful to eric and allan for sharing their creations with us so that we can share them with you.  “The Hill” by Allan Bernotas Standing at the peak of the course, he was certain that this, his final run, would be his best. There was no trace of doubt, there never was; only focus and poise. He had slid admirably, against the world’s best and was among the leaders. With a strong run he could win the day. He thought for a moment about the vintage ABC telecasts; Wide World of Sports’ Jim Mckay, donned in a yellow blazer, so perfectly saying, “the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.” Both sides of the equation, dramatically illustrated, flashed in his mind. He smiled. The thought then faded and his focus narrowed. “The track is clear,” boomed the announcer. “The track is clear to start one for…” As his named echoed over the crowd, they erupted. Their sound washed over him. He took a deep breath in through his nose, paused for a moment, and then exhaled out his mouth. Instantly he was warm from within and all was quiet. It was he and the hill, no worries to speak of. As he had done before, he trusted he would be his best, bent to his sled and felt comfort. In an instant he was off, sailing down the ice. Then as quickly as it had begun, he crossed the finish line. The race was over. He had conquered the hill and the thrill was his. As the sled slowed down and finally came to a stop, the young boy shot his arms in the air and bellowed with joy. He was champion, and all was good. He rolled off the old red plastic sled and into the powdery snow. Jumping to his feet, arms still raised, he again bellowed with joy, then listened to the noise of his voice echo through the back woods. The day was at an end and the sun dipped out of sight. His snowsuit was soaked through, and the cold was creeping in. His mind wondered from the moment of glory, to a refuge of warmth. As he wiped his nose with his wet gloves, he turned from the hill, left the sled and ran toward the house with dreams of mom’s hot chocolate. You’re prepared. Trust it. Have fun. Just run.maker.htmlshapeimage_1_link_0
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Video by Eric Bernotas