Cross-country skiing
Another Yukoner has been named to the National Junior Cross Country Ski Team.
This week, Emily Nishikawa got the nod to be the newest member of Cross Country Canada’s Team 2018, recognizing her potential to move up to the senior squad and, maybe someday, a shot at an Olympic berth.
Nishikawa joins fellow Yukon Ski Team member David Greer, who was named to the elite squad last year and who remains on the roster for the upcoming season.
Yukon hasn’t had two skiers on a national squad since the early 1990s.
“This is great news for Emily,” said Alain Masson, the Yukon Ski Team’s Head Coach. “She’s been working incredibly hard for years and this gives her the recognition she deserves.”
Nishikawa will continue her full-time training at the Callaghan Valley training centre, where she’s been working for the past season.
David Greer will continue his training at the Pierre Harvey training centre in Quebec.
“These are two really talented athletes. They’re both great role models for the rest of the team and the kids are all thrilled for them,” noted Masson. “We saw some great results from them both during the last season and no doubt we’ll see even more next year.”
Both Nishikawa and Greer made podium appearances at the recent Haywood Ski Nationals held at the Whistler Olympic site. Nishikawa picked up a gold medal in the sprint race, while Greer added a silver to his collection of honours with a second-place finish in the classic race.
Probably the highlight of the last season for Nishikawa didn’t involve a podium performance at all. She was a last-minute pick to compete for Canada in one of the World Cup races held in Canmore in January — quite an honour for a skier of her age.
By the look of things, there will be many more to come. (IS)