Winter Olympic team members training at Vernon facilities

Members of Canada’s Olympic cross-country ski team are in the Vernon area for the next two weeks, making their final preparations for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.

Silver Star Mountain Resort and The Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre are hosting the seven team members (see names below) along with the backup athletes and support staff.

“It isn’t every day we get to host Canada’s absolute best skiers. Sure, we usually see a few of them at our Canada Cup events early season, but having everyone here is extra special,” said Sovereign Lake general manager Troy Hudson in a news letter.

Hudson said this is the most important moment in the athletes’ careers and it’s exciting to have them preparing at Sovereign.

“While we would normally be seeking an opportunity to showcase our team, in this time of Covid-19 we are asking that we give the athletes a wide birth and provide the space they need to stay healthy and strong,” said Hudson.

The team members appreciate the conditions and the facilities.

“I want to say a big thank you to everyone at Sovereign Lake Nordic, it’s always incredible to ski here with some of the best conditions and grooming in the WORLD (Oh yes, the world),” stated Antoine Cyr, 2022 Olympic team member from Quebec. “It’s really important for us to use the location for its altitude and quality skiing to get ready for the Olympic Games. Sovereign has a special place in my heart and it’s an absolute pleasure to be back here. Thank you”

Team Canada Cross-Country Skiers at Beijing 2022:

Antoine Cyr (Gatineau, QC)
Olivier Léveillé (Sherbrooke, QC)
Graham Ritchie (Parry Sound, ON)

Dahria Beatty (Whitehorse, YK)
Cendrine Browne (Saint-Jérôme, QC)
Laura Leclair (Chelsea, QC)
Katherine Stewart-Jones (Chelsea, QC)

Beijing 2022 Olympic Competition Schedule

With six events each for men and women, cross-country skiing will take place over the duration of Beijing 2022, with the first competition on Day 1, February 5. The last event on February 20, the women’s 30km mass start, will also be the last event across all sports just before the closing ceremony. Cross-country skiing will take place at the Zhangjiakou Cross-Country Centre.

(With files from Paula Nichols, olympic.ca.)