Thunder Bay’s National Team Development Center (NTDC) skiers proved they’re ready to compete with the best in the world, with five skiers qualifying for the upcoming World Junior and U23 Championships taking place January 30th – February 5th 2017, at Soldier Hollow, Utah.
Athletes were selected for the Canadian team based on their results at the U.S. National Championships held January 7-11, which served as the qualifier. The Trials included three races under challenging conditions at the Soldier Hollow venue, and provided a great opportunity for athletes to race at altitude on the World Championship courses against deep fields of competition.
‘’This is the largest team we have put together outside of Canada to compete at the U23-WJC. The team of 22 athletes represents the work and dedication of 3 training centres and 12 clubs from across Canada.’’ said a very enthusiastic Thomas Holland, CCC High Performance Director, in press release prepared by Cross Country Canada.
Amongst the top Canadian skiers qualifying are five athletes who train with the National Team Development Centre (NTDC), Thunder Bay.
On the junior women’s side Vancouver’s Annika Richardson Canada’s Youth Olympic Games representative in 2016, and 2016 Petro Canada FACE awards recipient, qualified with strong sprint and classic race results. Joining her is NTDC Thunder Bay teammate Lisle Compton who hails from Kenora.
NTDC Thunder Bay athletes qualifying for the U23 (Under 23) World Championships are Katherine Stewart-Jones (Chelsea PQ), Evan Palmer-Charette (Thunder Bay) and Julian Smith (Oxenden ON). NTDC Alumnus Jennifer Jackson who trains with Lappe Nordic Ski Club in Thunder Bay, also qualified.
“Our NTDC Thunder Bay athletes have worked diligently every day for many years to earn the opportunity to represent Canada on the World Stage,” said Timo Puiras, head coach with NTDC Thunder Bay. “It is always great to see all the hard work pay off. We have an excellent team-focused training environment in Thunder Bay and it was on full display in Utah this past week where we were able to qualify more athletes than any other Training Centre or Club in Canada.”
Soldier Hollow was the site of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games where Beckie Scott won a history making gold medal for Canada, in the pursuit competition.
NTDC athletes selected will be heading to Canmore in late January for a pre-championships training camp before heading back to Utah for the main event.
