Listen to the entire interview here: Who I Race For series: Catching up with Alison Mackie

At just 19 years old, Alison Mackie is emerging as one of Canada’s most exciting cross-country skiing talents. Her recent season was a record breaking one, including 2 history making bronze medals at the 2025 FIS Nordic Junior World Ski Championships in Schilpario, Italy. 

But her journey to the podium started in the snowy trails of Gold Bar Park in Edmonton, where skiing was a family affair.  

“My parents had me on skis as soon as I could walk,” Alison recalled. “They both grew up skiing, but not really racing, and they wanted it to be part of my childhood.” 

Alison (right) skiing with her little brother (left).

From hot chocolate and Jackrabbits to international podiums, Alison’s trajectory has been steep and fast. Her breakout moment came in 2022 at the Olympic trials in Canmore when she was 16. “I had originally gone just to qualify for a Team Alberta trip, and then realized that I had skied really well,” she said. “That was the moment where I set my goal for the next season to qualify for the 2023 World Junior Ski Championships.” 

Alison doesn’t just dream, she makes a plan.  

“I think just setting process goals and knowing and being aware of what I need to improve as an individual is really, really important,” she said. “At the end of the day, I can’t control exactly what happens in a race… but I can control how I prepare.” 

And that preparation paid off. 

Alison burst onto the international scene with an impressive debut at the 2023 FIS Nordic Junior World Ski Championships in Whistler, finishing as the top Canadian woman. She seemed poised for a big follow-up season. 

From left to right: Sonjaa Schmidt, Liliane Gagnon, and Alison Mackie after qualifying for the 2024 World Juniors.

But one year later, at the 2024 World Juniors in Planica, Slovenia, Alison became ill and missed all but one race.  While her teammates made history, with Sonjaa Schmidt winning Canada’s first-ever U23 women’s sprint gold and the mixed relay team, including Liliane Gagnon, capturing another gold, Alison was confined to her hotel room.  

“In that moment, it was hard seeing all my teammates doing so well and not even being able to celebrate with them,” she said.  

 “My inability to race that year really lit my fire,” she said. “I left the past in the past and focused on what I can control, which is myself and how I prepare.”  

So Alison did just that.  

In May 2024, she sat down with her coach and set a clear goal: finish top five at one race at the 2025 World Juniors. “But in my mind,” she added, “I really wanted a medal.” 

Alison delivered. 

Alison after crossing the finish and winning Canada’s first women’s World Junior medal since 1989.

In the 20km classic, she battled the leaders through a grueling final lap. “I hung on for dear life,” she said. “On the day I was third and I was still thrilled. Being the first Canadian woman since 1989 to win a medal at World Juniors… it was really, really cool to be part of that.” 

Then she did it again. 

She followed up with a second Bronze in the 10 km Interval Start, freestyle race. “I had wanted one top five, and I ended up getting three top fours, including two bronze medals,” she said. 

A revealing part of Alison’s mindset, came after the races. “I remember feeling really proud and also not that surprised,” she said, “because I had so much belief in myself the months leading up to it.” 

Her performances earned her a place on Canada’s team for the 2025 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in Trondheim, Norway, a massive leap forward for any athlete, let alone one still in their teens. 

“Definitely the most spectators that have ever been on a race I’ve raced at,” she said. “Again, crowds were amazing. Really motivating, to hear everyone cheering as you’re suffering uphill.” 

Alison racing in Trondheim at World Championships. ©Modica/NordicFocus.

Despite being a rookie, Alison held her own. In the team sprint, she and teammate Liliane Gagnon finished 10th. “It was one of my first experiences racing in a relay format internationally,” she said. “I felt strong all three legs and was really happy to race well.” 

But perhaps the most telling part of Alison’s season came after the championships, when many athletes begin to fade. Instead, she surged, heading out onto the World Cup. 

“Once I’ve achieved my goals, I tend to feel a little bit lost… so I set the next goal for the rest of the season to get top 30,” she said. 

She did just that—twice. First in Oslo, where she placed 28th in the 20km individual start, and again in Lahti, where she finished 26th in her first-ever 50km race.  

Alison after completing her first-ever 50km race, finishing an impressive 26th.

“It was quite daunting because I’d actually never done a race longer than 20K before,” she said. “Even though Therese Johaug was out front going so fast from the start, I was able to hold. It was the race I was most proud of.” 

Alison’s success isn’t just about talent—it’s about belief. “I’m a pretty stubborn person,” she admitted. “If I have my mind set on a goal or an achievement, I will do everything in my power to try and make that come true.” 

Now, Alison is setting her sights on the biggest stage of all: the 2026 Olympic Winter Games. 

he’s realistic about the challenge, but undeterred. “It definitely makes me nervous and excited,” she said. “But I have confidence in myself and believe in myself and know that all these months of hard training will pay off.” 

If she qualifies, she will become the youngest cross-country skier named to an Olympic team since Amanda Ammar (now Butler) in 2006.  

“It’ll be a dream come true,” she said. “But it’s more about showing myself that I can do anything I set my mind to… and that all my determination and hard work has paid off.” 

And for Alison, representing Canada is about much more than personal victories. “I’m proud to represent everyone who has helped me get to where I am today,” she said. “Whether it be my family or my community back in Edmonton, my coaches… I’m racing, representing all of that.” 

This site visit was a crucial step in the preparations, allowing FIS representatives to assess the venue’s enhancements, particularly the integration of the new Biathlon Building into the hosting plan and the expansion of the stadium specifically designed to accommodate the unique needs of Para races. These infrastructure improvements are part of a broader commitment to ensuring a world-class experience for all athletes and officials.

Organizing Committee leadership volunteers and FIS representatives connect at a casual BBQ, fostering collaboration during the recent FIS Site Visit in Canmore. Photo Credit: AWCS

“We are incredibly pleased with the outcome of the FIS Site Visit. Their positive assessment validates the preparations being made by the AWCS and its Organizing Committee and the significant investments made in the Canmore Nordic Centre, particularly the thoughtful design of our new Biathlon Building and the expanded stadium, which are pivotal for hosting Para events at the highest standard. This World Cup is not just a competition; it’s a key preparation for Canada’s Para Cross Country National team, as they gear up for the Paralympic Winter Games, continuing our proud tradition of hosting pre-Games events.” said Norbert Meier, Vice President, Events Chair, AWCS.

“With the construction of the new functional building in the Biathlon Arena, a very high international standard for skiing has been achieved. The stadium and the entire track network can be used multifunctionally in winter and summer. Canmore therefore fulfils all the requirements for staging the FIS Para Cross-Country World Cup in December 2025.” said Georg Zipfel, FIS Race Director Para Cross-Country

“It’s been some good work to put together some courses that make us of the new stadium layout. We’ve tried to create accessible courses that can be used as legacy pieces for the future. We’re aiming to provide courses that are fun and challenging and can help support Canadian Athletes’ development as they learn to compete on world class courses.” said Brian McKeever, Nordiq Canada, Para Nordic Ski Team Coach.

The successful site visit reinforces Canmore’s reputation as a premier destination for Nordic sports, capable of delivering exceptional events. The AWCS, supported by its dedicated volunteers, is now fully focused on the final preparations for December.

“Hosting an event of this caliber requires an extraordinary team, and we are incredibly fortunate to have such a wealth of local volunteer talent,” added Nancy Richard, Local Organizing Committee Chair, AWCS. “Their dedication will be paramount in ensuring a fair, safe, and impeccably run competition for all.”

The December 2025 FIS Para Cross-Country World Cup promises to be a thrilling showcase of athletic excellence and a testament to Canmore’s enduring commitment to the global ski family. This will be followed by the IBU Para Biathlon World Cup from December 11-14, organized by the Alberta Events Hosting Society for Biathlon, creating an extended festival of Para Nordic sport.

About the Alberta World Cup Society (AWCS): The Alberta World Cup Society is a driving force behind the development and growth of cross-country skiing in Alberta and Canada. We achieve this through the strategic hosting of World Cup races and by providing essential resources for the advancement of officials, coaches, and athletes. Complementing this, the AWCS proudly operates its Academy program, recognized as one of Canada’s most successful Development Training Centres, directly nurturing athletes to represent Canada on the international stage. Since its inception in 2003, the AWCS, thanks to its dedicated volunteers, has organized numerous successful international events.

Media Contact: Nancy RIchard nrichard@albertaworldcup.com 403-585-0503

Six local organizing committees will welcome thousands of Canada’s top cross-country skiers as they vie for the opportunity to represent Canada at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games, compete on the international stage, and contend for national titles.  

The Nordiq Cup, the premier level of domestic competition, will feature four events: 

• Nordiq Cup Season Opener – Nov. 28–30, 2025 | Vernon, B.C. 

• 2026 Olympic Winter Games Trials – Dec. 13–16, 2025 | Prince George, B.C. 

• Nordiq Canada World Junior/U23 Selection Trials – Jan. 29–Feb. 1, 2026 | Canmore, Alta. 

• Nordiq Canada Ski Nationals – March 9–14, 2026 | Mont-Sainte-Anne, Que. 

“The domestic circuit not only plays a vital role in the development of athletes, but also of coaches, officials, organizing committees, wax technicians and volunteers,” said Beckie Scott, CEO of Nordiq Canada. 

All eyes will be on Prince George as the country’s top athletes compete for spots on the team bound for the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milano–Cortina, Italy. 

“Hosting the Olympic Trials is a true honour for Caledonia Nordic and the Prince George community,” said Kevin Pettersen, event chair. “We are proud to support Canada’s athletes as they chase their dreams and inspire the nation on the road to Milano–Cortina.” 

In addition to the Nordiq Cup, four Canada Cup Series events will offer additional FIS-level race opportunities in both Eastern and Western Canada. These events aim to deliver high-calibre racing while reducing travel costs for athletes and clubs: 

• Western Canada Cup – Nov. 29–30, 2025 | Vernon, B.C. 

• Eastern Canada Cup – Dec. 19–21, 2025 | Gatineau, Que 

• Western Championships – Jan. 30–Feb. 1, 2026 | Canmore, Alta. 

• Eastern Championships – Feb. 6–8, 2026 | Gatineau, Que. 

The season will conclude at the 2026 Nordiq Canada Ski Nationals in Mont-Sainte-Anne, where more than 800 athletes will compete for national honours. 

“Skibec Nordique and Club Nordique Mont-Sainte-Anne are proud to host an event that will bring together Canada’s elite and next generation of skiers in the beautiful Mont-Sainte-Anne region,” said the local organizing committee. “With the support of our valued partners, we look forward to welcoming the Canadian cross-country ski community for a celebration of talent and passion at the 2026 Ski Nationals.” 

Domestic Season Race Calendar

Please Note: All race formats are subject to change based on factors such as weather conditions, snow conditions, and considerations by Nordiq Canada and the Organizing Committee. 

Recognized as the most sought-after Canadian artist, Mad Dog Jones is adding Nordiq Canada to the list of global brands and high-profile athletes, including Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton, with whom he collaborates. Jones’ work is known for its bold, futuristic aesthetic, and now, he’s bringing that same energy to Canadian cross-country skiing. Check out his Instagram here.

Before becoming a world-renowned artist, Michah was a cross-country ski racer in Thunder Bay, Ontario, and he remains an avid skier, still competing in local races. His deep connection to the sport and the team inspired him to take on this unique project—a first for a Canadian Olympic and Paralympic ski suit.

“I love cross-country skiing, so the opportunity to design a suit for Canada’s best athletes is incredibly special,” said Mad Dog Jones. “I want them to feel fast and strong every time they put it on.”

The 2026 race suit design will be a bold visual statement, reflecting Canadian heritage and the power and athleticism of Canada’s top cross-county skiers.

Nordiq Canada CEO Beckie Scott shared the team’s excitement: “To have an artist of this caliber, who is not only Canadian but also a cross-country skier, designing our Olympic and Paralympic suits is an incredible honor. We can’t wait to see our athletes race in a suit that blends art, sport, and national pride.”

Mad Dog Jones is giving back to the sport he loves, making this design possible for Nordiq Canada. His generosity ensures that Canadian skiers will stand out on the world stage.

Watch for the official unveiling of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games field of play uniform closer the Games.

CANMORE, Alta.—Beckie Scott is back at the helm of Canadian cross-country skiing.

After an extensive national search led by the hiring committee composed of Division leaders and sport partners, Nordiq Canada tapped one of Canada’s most influential Olympians and successful leaders in their community to build a financially stable system for the sport she put on the map in Canada as the organization’s new chief executive officer.

“I am so excited for this opportunity and the chance to contribute in a positive way to a sport that I care deeply about, and ensure it continues to succeed well into the future. I will lean into my business development, leadership and high-performance experience with the goal of ensuring Nordiq Canada is both financially stable and achieves high-performance excellence long term,” said Scott.

“I am totally inspired and excited by the current and upcoming athletes in the pipeline and throughout the pathway. I was part of the sport’s system when it worked for athletes, and I was successful because of the support I received. I really look forward to rolling up my sleeves and doing the same for this generation.”

Poised to add another chapter in her already epic story in Canadian cross-country skiing history, Scott exemplifies sporting excellence. North American women had never reached the podium in the quintessential winter Olympic sport until Beckie Scott defied odds in 2002, accomplishing what was once unthinkable, winning Olympic gold. Four years later she teamed up with Sara Renner for a silver-medal triumph at the 2006 Games. Scott retired later that year, having re-written the record books. In addition to her two Olympic medals, she skied onto the World Cup podium 15 times. Her fourth career victory in her final race in Sapporo, Japan secured her second spot in the overall World Cup standings.

“Beckie Scott is a proven performer who immediately garners respect and knows what it takes to achieve excellence in the office and on the trails while working within an under-resourced system,” said Morgan Rogers, chair, Nordiq Canada Board of Directors. “Beckie is a trailblazer who has achieved several goals never reached before. She had the courage to imagine it was possible and the fire in her heart to make it happen. I look forward to her bringing that same tenacity to this role.

“Moreover, Beckie exemplifies everything the Nordic community in Canada requires in a leader. She is a beacon of integrity, collaborative, compassionate, selfless, and a true role model for Canadians across the country. She has always been a spokesperson for our entire sport – a responsibility she bears modestly – and has been an experienced leader of one of the nation’s most successful charities. We could not be more thrilled to welcome Beckie back to Nordiq Canada in this key leadership position.”

Scott’s business acumen and Board experience off the trails is international in scope.

After competing in her third Olympics in Turin 2006, she was elected by her peers to the International Olympic Committee where she served an eight-year term as a member of the Athletes’ Commission. A true icon for clean sport, Scott became a member of the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) Executive Committee in 2012 and went on to chair the WADA Athlete Committee from 2013-2019.

“I have lived the power of sport at virtually every level – from being a Jackrabbit in a rural community to becoming an Olympic champion; from navigating high-stakes discussions with the world’s most powerful sport policymakers to leading games for Indigenous youth in remote communities. The knowledge and perspective I’ve gained through all of these experiences are invaluable and will serve me well in this role,” said Scott.

“I’m a huge believer in teamwork and the incredible things that can happen when people unify around a common goal. I know that by working together and setting a gold standard across governance, operations, financials, coaching, and programming, we can build the best-in-class organization our athletes need to be successful on the world’s stage.”

A model of decency, humanity and humility, Scott’s community influence has extended far beyond the trails and her fight for fair play.

She founded Spirit North in 2017, an organization committed to improving the lives of Indigenous children through the transformative power of sport and play. Under her leadership as chief executive officer of the organization until 2024, Spirit North grew from a small charitable endeavour serving four communities and 300 youth in Northern Alberta into Canada’s largest sport-for-development organization, working in partnership with more than 100 Indigenous communities across Canada, and reaching more than 16,000 Indigenous children and youth annually with sport and play programs.

“Spirit North was born out of a passion for sport, and with the belief that sport can change lives, inspire individuals, heal and teach. And, that this is an opportunity that should be available to all,” said Scott, who was responsible for leading the strategic direction and all operational activities of Spirit North, including financial oversight, stakeholder management and fund development. “I am very proud of the work we did as a team, raising more than $6 million to grow Spirit North into one of the most successful sport-for-development organizations in the country. Through this journey, I learned about the complexities and nuances of running a non-profit organization that will benefit me at Nordiq Canada.”

Scott will officially take the reins of the national sport organization, March 17, on the opening day of the Nordiq Canada Ski Nationals at the Canmore Nordic Centre.

“My immediate priority will be to embark on a listening tour, meeting with as many members of the community as possible to gather input, ideas and perspectives,” said Scott. “The ultimate goal is to get the organization on solid financial ground and ensure we’re set up for long-term success. To do this, we must work together – united in our efforts to create a stronger organization that best supports our athletes.”

Scott lives near Nordiq Canada’s headquarters in Canmore, Alberta with her husband – an Olympian, former national cross-country skiing coach and current national biathlon team coach – Justin Wadsworth, along with their two children who all enjoy cross-country skiing and an active lifestyle.

An officer of the Order of Canada, and an inducted member of Canadian Sports Hall of Fame, Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame, the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame, the Canadian Ski Hall of Fame, Scott holds an Honourary Doctor of Laws from the University of Alberta, the University of British Columbia and Mount Royal University. She has received the Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medals, and the Meritorious Service Medal. She has remained a passionate volunteer in her community, donating her time to many charities including UNICEF, Right to Play, and frequently works for CBC Sports as a broadcast analyst.

“I wasn’t expecting this successful of a championships—and it’s not over yet,” said Gagnon. “Today was actually a bit more expected, if I can say that. My classic race is still my proudest race so far, but today feels great because I had been thinking about this race for a long time. Being able to deliver on a tough course in these conditions is a great feeling.” 

It was a strong day for Team Canada, with five additional top-30 finishes. In the women’s race, Whitehorse’s Sonjaa Schmidt finished eighth, while Rossland’s Jasmine Drolet placed 23rd. In the men’s race, Thunder Bay’s Max Hollmann was 12th, Calgary’s Tom Stephen finished 13th, and Whitehorse’s Sasha Masson rounded out the top 30. 

Gagnon maintained strong positioning throughout the race, hovering in second and third at key splits. “Usually in a 10K individual start, I go out pretty hard because for a long time, I struggled with pacing and not going fast enough,” she explained. “But today, with rough conditions and a tough course, I really focused on pacing myself. I actually didn’t start too fast, and I think that paid off. It was a long grind, and I needed that energy for the rest of the race.” 

She crossed the finish line in second and had a tense wait for the final results. “I knew the Swedish girl had won everything else, but I also knew skate isn’t her strongest,” said Gagnon. “The real danger today was Germany’s Helen Hoffmann, who ended up winning. When I saw the Swedish skier was a bit further back, I had a feeling I was going to get it. It was a pretty good feeling—not having to wait too long was nice, too, because otherwise, it would have been a pretty stressful wait.” 

Canada has two more opportunities to add to its medal haul in Sunday’s relays. No stranger to the relay podium, Canada won gold in the U23 mixed relay in 2024. 

Gagnon credits the team’s collective momentum for their success so far. “We’re all pushing each other and riding the same wave,” she said. “Everyone is performing so well, and it just lifts the whole team up. I think that’s a big factor in our success at these championships, and hopefully, it carries on to senior world championships as well. It’s really encouraging to see Canada up there—it gives us that extra push we need.” 

Full Results: https://www.fis-ski.com/DB/general/results.html?sectorcode=CC&raceid=47132 

“We’re very excited to partner with Nordiq Canada to bring live streaming to the 2025 Nordiq Canada Ski Nationals,” said Raphael Payo, from Salomon Canada. “Supporting the development of Canadian cross-country skiers is at the heart of our mission, and we’re proud to help make this event accessible to fans across the country.” 

Over 1,500 competitors, supporters, and ski enthusiasts are coming to Canmore from March 17-23 for the event. Racing on the same trails as the FIS Cross-Country World Cup hosted last season, Canada’s skiers will test themselves at a world class venue used to hosting some of the most prestigious events in the sport.  

“One of the best ways we can help grow the sport is by giving Canadians greater exposure to high performance racing,” said Megan Begley, Nordiq Canada’s CEO. “Not only will it allow ski fans to watch live, but the footage will allow us to create tools for coaches, officials, and athletes to continue learning and developing. It’s a super exciting project we are glad to see come to life”.  

The event will feature senior, junior, and Para Nordic skiers competing in sprints, distance races, and team events. In addition to national titles, the results will play a pivotal role in shaping next year’s World Cup and National Ski Teams. 

“We’re thrilled to have Salomon supporting the live stream at Nationals,” said Beckie Scott, a member of the Organizing Committee. “This partnership is an incredible opportunity to showcase our sport and the beautiful landscape of the Canmore Nordic Centre. We know there is demand for friends, family, and fans of the sport to be able to watch the events, and we are excited to be able to meet that demand.”  

The live stream will be available on Home Team Live, and more information on accessing the stream will be provided soon.  

For more information on the 2025 Nordiq Canada Ski Nationals visit:  

https://www.skinationals2025.ca/ 

Nordiq Canada Marketing and Engagement Coordinator 

Nathaniel Mah    

Nordiq Canada   

C: 403-700-4927  

E: nmah@nordiqcanada.ca  

“The qualification felt good — there were blue skies, we’re up here in the mountains, there’s good music playing, and I was just dancing all day,” said Schmidt, the reigning under-23 sprint world champion. 

Schmidt began her day by qualifying in 10th place. She then dominated her quarterfinal heat, finishing ahead of Finland’s Jasmi Joensuu. In the semifinal, Schmidt placed fourth but advanced to the final as a lucky loser with one of the fastest times. 

The final featured some of the sport’s biggest names, including Olympic and World Champion Jessie Diggins of the United States. 

“It was pretty surreal,” said Schmidt. “Jessie came up to me, cracked a few jokes and knew who I was, which really helped calm my nerves. Just lining up with athletes like her was unreal, and the vibes were so positive — it made the whole experience amazing.” 

Sweden’s Jonna Sundling dominated the race, winning in a time of 2:49.04. Norway’s Kristine Stavaas Skistad placed second with 2:50.32, while Dahlqvist narrowly edged out Schmidt for third in 2:51.91. 

25.01.2025, Engadin, Switzerland (SUI):
Sonjaa  Schmidt (CAN),  and Jessie  Diggins (USA), (l-r) – FIS world cup cross-country, individual sprint, Engadin (SUI). www.nordicfocus.com. © Authamayou/NordicFocus. 

“I think there was definitely a move I shouldn’t have made,” Schmidt said. “I got a bit excited and tried to move in front too early, and it didn’t work out. I made the same mistake yesterday, so I’ll learn from it. The podium is so close though, and it was still a really exciting race.” 

Schmidt’s result continues a string of strong performances from Canada’s women’s cross-country skiers. Earlier this season, Schmidt and teammate Liliane Gagnon (Quebec City, Que.) placed fifth in the team sprint in Davos, Switzerland. Katherine Stewart-Jones (Chelsea, Que.) followed with a fourth-place finish in Stage 3 of the Tour de Ski, while Katherine Weaver (Vancouver, B.C.) and Gagnon each recorded top-20 finishes in France last weekend.  

“I think the Canadian women are on fire right now,” said Schmidt. “The fire is contagious within the team. We are hunting for a podium, and the cool thing is we don’t know who it’s going to be. It can be any one of us, which is exciting, really inspiring, and it’s just a really great team to be around right now.” 

Schmidt made history last season as the first Canadian woman to win at the FIS Nordic Under-23 World Ski Championships. While her winters are dedicated to racing, her summers include unconventional training. 

“For the past two summers, I’ve spent eight to 10 weeks between April and June planting trees. It funds my ski career but also doubles as training,” said Schmidt. “The shifts are three days on and one day off, so on my ‘off’ days, I focus on ski-specific training. So far, it’s been working well for me.”  

Unconventional as it may be, it’s hard to argue with the results.  

Next weekend, Schmidt will compete in Cogne, Italy, in her final World Cup race before heading to Schilpario, Italy, for this year’s FIS Nordic Under-23 World Ski Championships where she’ll defend her world champion title. 

“Today definitely gives me a boost of confidence going into U23s, but I also know that it’s going to be challenging, so I’ll have to keep my head strong and know that I can push with my fitness.” 

Full Results: https://www.fis-ski.com/DB/general/results.html?sectorcode=CC&competitorid=235543&raceid=46806 

“We are excited to see what this talented group can achieve on the international stage,” said Julie Beaulieu, Nordiq Canada’s Sport Development Director. “The FISU games are an important part of our development pathway; supporting Canadians in pursuing both sport and education is a key priority. These athletes exemplify that it’s possible to excel in both areas at a high level.  

Nine men and eight women were selected through performances at qualification events held in Sovereign Lake, B.C., and Gatineau, Que., and Canmore, Alta.  

Among the team members are athletes such as Noah Weir Chaba, who competed at the 2023 FIS Junior World Ski Championships, and Sophie Tremblay and Robin Mason, both part of Canada’s 2023 delegation to the FISU Games in Lake Placid. 

Brothers Alexander and Nicholas Randall will have the rare opportunity to compete together on the international stage. 

“I don’t think the full weight of this opportunity has hit me yet,” said Nicholas, the older of the two. “I’ve done smaller multi-sport events before, but to get this chance on the world stage is unbelievable. It’s something I’ve been chasing since I started high-performance skiing seven years ago and doing it with my brother makes it even more special.” 

Both full-time students at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ont., the Randall brothers balance academics and competitive skiing, racing on Nordiq Canada’s domestic race circuit, which features a dedicated category for student-athletes. 

“Qualifying for this event as a university student demonstrates dedication to two demanding pursuits,” Nicholas added. “Balancing sport and academics shows it’s possible to combine passions and achieve meaningful success in both.” 

Another student-athlete achieving this balance is Sarah Cullinan from the University of Calgary. 

“It’s very exciting to be named to the FISU Games team alongside other Canadian student-athletes,” said Cullinan. “Representing Canada is always an honour, and showing that it’s possible to excel in academics and sport at a high level is an incredible opportunity.” 

“We are also encouraged to see Para nordic skiing being included in this year’s games for the first time”, said Julie Beaulieu. “It’s something long overdue and amazing to see another international race opportunity for Canada’s developing Para nordic skiers.” 

For the first time in FISU Games history, Para nordic events will be included, providing a platform for athletes like Charles Lecours, Canada’s first Para nordic competitor at the Games. 

I’m so excited to get the opportunity to race for Canada in Italy with the best Para nordic skiers my age,” said Lecours. “It’s so cool to be part of Canadian cross-country skiing history, especially when we’re talking about inclusion.”  

The FISU World University Games is an international multi-sport event where student-athletes represent their country on the world stage. This year, the Games return to their birthplace of Turin, where six municipalities will host 11 sports over 11 days from January 13–23, 2025. 

Introducing Team Canada:  

Women  

Helen McCulligh – Carleton University 

Sarah Cullinan – University of Calgary 

Brooke Ailey – Nipissing University 

Sienna Brennan-Raab – University of Calgary 

Emmanuelle Paquet – Cégep Garneau 

Sophie Tremblay – Laurentian University 

Stella Duncan – University of Calgary 

Sophia Giangrande – Carleton University 

Men 

Noah Weir Chaba – University of Calgary 

Rémi Boilard – Université Laval 

Robin Mason – University of Calgary 

Xavier Normandin – Cégep Garneau 

Nicholas Randall – Lakehead University 

Alexis Ermel – Université Laval 

Mats Halvorsen – Université Laval 

Alexander Randall – Lakehead University 

Para Nordic
Charles Lecours – Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières  

Staff

For more information: 2025 FISU World University Games 

For results: FIS Cross-Country 

Cover Photo: Doug Stephen

“To some people, it might seem like this result came out of nowhere,” said Stewart-Jones after the race. “But for me, I felt as good as I did two seasons ago. I’ve had some bad luck, and it was really frustrating. I knew things would eventually come together—I just had to be patient.” 

From illness last season to pole breaks, binding malfunctions and crashes this season, Stewart-Jones had faced numerous setbacks, often coming close to the top 10 but never finishing higher than 18th in the last two seasons. 

“I think there’s always an element of luck in racing, and luck hasn’t been on my side. Today, though, it felt like everything—luck, fitness and mental focus—came together. It’s been a long time coming, and I’m really stoked.” 

Athletes in the interval start format begin 30 seconds apart. Norway’s Astrid Øyre Slind, started just behind Stewart-Jones and quickly became a key part of the race dynamics. 

“Once Slind caught up to me, I just kept telling myself not to lose contact,” said Stewart-Jones. “I knew skiing alone would be much more difficult, so staying with her became my main focus.” 

Slind ultimately claimed victory, crossing the finish line in 48:54. Fellow Norwegian Therese Johaug finished 3.3 seconds behind, with Finland’s Kerttu Niskanen 20.3 seconds back. 

Stewart-Jones stayed with Slind until the finish, clocking in at 49:22 and tying with Germany’s Victoria Carl. Just 7.5 seconds off the podium, this result cements Stewart-Jones as a serious

Katherine Stewart-Jones celebrates with the Canadian World Cup staff after in Toblach, Italy.

contender on the World Cup circuit. 

“When I crossed the finish line, I didn’t even check the results. I knew I was in the top 10, but it wasn’t until I saw my team’s reaction that I realized how good it was.” 

“I saw their faces and was like, okay, it must have been really good, and I still can’t really believe it.” 

The last time a Canadian woman placed in the top four of a World Cup race was in 2011, when Chandra Crawford earned a second-place finish in Rogla, Slovenia. 

Stewart-Jones now sits 19th in the Tour de Ski standings, 3 minutes and 36 seconds behind the leader. The seven-stage event, much like the Tour de France, combines results from each stage to determine the overall standings. 

“My goal at the start of the tour was to finish in the top 15. I was really worried going into today because I was behind, but this result helped me catch up. Now I just need to stay consistent.” 

Canada’s Liliane Gagnon (Shawinigan-Sud, Que.) finished 38th with a time of 51:39, while Olivier Léveillé (Sherbrooke, Que.) and Antoine Cyr (Gatineau, Que.) placed 48th and 56th, respectively, in the men’s race. 

In Stage 4 tomorrow, athletes will compete in the 15-kilometre pursuit classic, with starting positions based on today’s results. Stewart-Jones will begin in fifth, ready to chase a podium finish. 

Full Women’s Results