NATIONAL skier Errol Kerr improved his chances of qualifying for the 2010 Winter Olympics by finishing 11th at the Alpe d’Huez Ski Cross World Cup in Les Contamines, France.

This was after qualifying times were used as official results after heavy snow cancelled the final day’s proceedings. It was the best result of the year so far for the American-born Jamaican skier as he just missed out on a top-10 finish from a field of 82 competitors.

The event was won by Christopher Delbosco of Canada. But Kerr, 23, should take heart from his display as he delivered an improved performance from 2008 when he claimed 12th spot.

The race in France was the final World Cup within the Olympic qualifying period. Kerr will know his fate on January 18 when the official Olympic World Games qualifying list is published.

Skiing’s world governing body, the Fédération Internationale de Ski (FIS), will determine the number of skiers to participate in next month’s event using a formula that includes the FIS World Ranking list.

The team departs for Toronto Canada where Errol is down to compete in his next World Cup at Blue Mountain.

Kerr is seeking to become the first athlete ever to represent Jamaica in skiing at the Winter Olympics to be staged in Vancouver, Canada from February 12-28.