Click above to view the Selection Rationale

Congratulations to the following athletes who have been selected to the World Cup Period 2 (Tour de Ski) Team from December 26, 2024 to January 6, 2025. Athlete selections were based on the 2024-25 Nordiq Canada Competition Selection Criteria.

Selection details and factors: 

• Provide appropriate competition opportunities to athletes that have demonstrated the ability to achieve a top 20 performance.  

• Nominate a minimum of 2-3 athletes per gender to aid in mental and physical health.  

• Achieve top-10 nations ranking for 2024-25 season to secure Olympic quota spots. Not racing the minimum athletes could negatively impact Olympic quota objectives.  

• Financial non-refundable commitments. 

The deadline to appeal Team nominations is December 19, 2024, 11:59 PM MST. Appeals must be submitted in writing to Nordiq Canada’s Appeal Manager, Stefano Mingarelli, at stefmingarelli@gmail.com.    

Summary of Nominations 

Olivia Bouffard-Nesbitt (Declined) – Fondeurs-Laurentides, AWCA

Tom Stephen (Declined) – Foothills Nordic, AWCA

Antoine Cyr – Skinouk, CNEPH

Olivier Léveillé – Club de ski de fond Orford, CNEPH

Liliane Gagnon – Skibec, CNEPH

Katherine Stewart-Jones – Nakkertok Nordic, AWCA

Click above to view the Selection Rationale

World Cup P1

Congratulations to the following athletes selected to the Para Nordic World Cup competition team for Period 1 from December 8 – 21, 2024 in Vuokatti, Finland. Athlete selections were based on the 2024-25 Para Nordic Competition Selection Criteria.

Competition project rationale:

• Athletes who have previously met World Cup Team standards.
• Provide opportunities for athletes to meet FIS standards at World Cups.

The deadline to appeal Team nominations is November 27, 2024 11:59 PM MST. Appeals must be submitted in writing to Nordiq Canada’s Appeal Manager, Stefano Mingarelli, at stefmingarelli@gmail.com.

A $250 appeal fee must be paid to Nordiq Canada before the submission is reviewed.

Summary of Nominations 

Mark Arendz

Collin Cameron

Brittany Hudak

Natalie Wilkie

Derek Zaplotinsky

Emma Archibald

Christian Picton

Lyne-Marie Bilodeau

Logan Lariviere

Yves Bourque (Declined)

Jesse Bachinsky

Charles Lecours

Madison Mullin

2025 FISU World University Games

Congratulations to the following athlete selected to the 2025 FISU University Games in Para cross-country from January 9 – 23, 2025 in Torino, Italy. Athlete selections were based on the 2025 FISU World University Games Selection Criteria.

The deadline to appeal Team nominations is November 27, 2024 11:59 PM MST. Appeals must be submitted in writing to Nordiq Canada’s Appeal Manager, Stefano Mingarelli, at stefmingarelli@gmail.com.

A $250 appeal fee must be paid to Nordiq Canada before the submission is reviewed.

Summary of Nominations 

Charles Lecours

Para Cross Country Continental Cup West Yellowstone

Congratulations to the following athletes selected to the Para cross country Continental Cup in West Yellowstone, Montana USA from January 7 – 12, 2025. Athlete selections was based on the 2025-25 Para Nordic Competition Criteria.

Competition project rationale:

The deadline to appeal Team nominations is December 11, 2024 11:59 PM MST. Appeals must be submitted in writing to Nordiq Canada’s Appeal Manager, Stefano Mingarelli, at stefmingarelli@gmail.com.

A $250 appeal fee must be paid to Nordiq Canada before the submission is reviewed.

Summary of Nominations 

Christina Picton

Ethan Hess

Lyne-Marie Bilodeau

Jesse Bachinsky

Leo Sammarelli

Logan Lariviere

Madison Mullin

Yves Bourque

Charles Lecours

Angela Oakley

Kara Douville

Athlete nominations were made by the High Performance Committee (HPC) based on the 2024-25 Para Nordic Competition Trip Criteria. The HPC oversaw the selection process as per the Nordiq Canada Selection, Nominations and Announcement policy. Members of this committee are:

Final athlete selections were approved by Chris Jeffries, High Performance Director : cjeffries@nordiqcanada.ca

Click above to view the Selection Rationale

Summary of Nominations 

Sonjaa Schmidt – Whitehorse Cross Country Ski Club, AWCA

Max Hollmann – Big Thunder Nordic, AWCA

Antoine Cyr – Skinouk, CNEPH

Graham Ritchie (Declined) – Georgian Nordic Outdoor Activity Centre, NTDC Thunder Bay

Olivier Léveillé – Club de ski de fond Orford, CNEPH

Xavier McKeever – Foothills Nordic Ski Club, AWCA

Liliane Gagnon – Skibec, CNEPH

Pierre Grall-Johnson – Nakkertok Nordic, NTDC T-Bay

Katherine Stewart-Jones – Nakkertok Nordic, AWCA

Sasha Masson – Whitehorse Cross Country Ski Club, CNEPH

Congratulations to the following athletes who will be invited to a 2024-2025 Prospects camp based on the criteria outlined in the Nordiq Canada National High Performance Program Selection Criteria 2024-25.

PROSPECTS CAMP – EAST: July 11 – 15th Ottawa/Gatineau Region

PROSPECTS CAMP – WEST: July 18 – 22nd TBC

• The Prospects program is an east and west based camp program designed for U18 and U16 athletes.
• The goal of the Prospects program is to provide meaningful Athlete Performance Pathway based training opportunities from multiple divisions.
• Aggregate Rank In Region placing is from the ranking list of eligible athletes from that region. Example, an athlete might be ranked 3rd overall on the aggregate list but be ranked first in their region.

The deadline to appeal the nominations is Friday, June 7, 2024 11:59 PM in the time zone of the appealing athlete. Appeals must be submitted in writing to Nordiq Canada’s Appeal Manager, Stefano Mingarelli, at stefmingarelli@gmail.com.

Summary of Athletes (click to view)

The HPC oversaw the athlete nomination selection process as per the Nordiq Canada Selection, Nominations and Announcement policy. Members of this committee are:

• Graham Nishikawa (athlete rep – Para)
• Devon Kershaw (athlete rep – Olympic)
• Maria Lundgren (BC)
• Pauline Nadlersmith (ON)
• John Lofranco (Athletics Canada)
• Julie Beaulieu (Nordiq Canada)
• Chris Jeffries (Nordiq Canada)

Final athlete selections were approved by Chris Jeffries, High Performance Director.

Congratulations to the Athletes who have been nominated to the National High Performance Program based on the criteria outlined in the Nordiq Canada National High Performance Program Selection Criteria 2024-25 and to those who will be nominated to Sport Canada to receive AAP carding under the Athlete Assistance Program Selection Criteria 2024-25. All nominations were reviewed and supported by the High Performance Committee.

Selection Rational

• The goal of NHPP and AAP selection criteria is to select athletes who are following the performance pathway progression in relation to global competitors to achieve podium success at the Olympic Winter Games and World Ski Championships.
• AAP carding type nominations are not finalized and subject to change upon review and acceptance by Sport Canada.
• Final Team announcements will be released early May after final acceptance of nominations.
• Development Team size is set at 12 athletes.
• Team and AAP criteria descriptions are abbreviated versions of the criteria. Selection was competed using the full criteria description within the selection documents.
• Benchmark criteria standards were based on the athlete meeting being the target age or younger on race day . Athletes and younger on date of race. Rankings were made on best results across all benchmarks.

The deadline to appeal the NHPP and AAP carding nominations is Wednesday, May 8th 11:59 PM in the athlete’s residing time zone. Appeals must be submitted in writing to Nordiq Canada’s Appeal Manager, Stefano Mingarelli, at stefmingarelli@gmail.com.

Nominations (click to view)

The HPC oversaw the athlete nomination selection process as per the Nordiq Canada Selection, Nominations and Announcement policy. Members of this committee are:

• Graham Nishikawa (athlete rep – Para)
• Devon Kershaw (athlete rep – Olympic)
• Maria Lundgren (BC)
• Pauline Nadlersmith (ON)
• John Lofranco (Athletics Canada)
• Julie Beaulieu (Nordiq Canada)
• Chris Jeffries (Nordiq Canada)

Final athlete selections were approved by Chris Jeffries, High Performance Director.

Congratulations to the following athletes who have been nominated to the Paralympic stream of the National Ski Team based on the criteria outlined in the Para Nordic Canada National Ski Team (PNST) Selection Criteria 2024-25 and to the athletes who will be nominated to Sport Canada to receive AAP carding under the Para Nordic Athlete Assistance Program Selection Criteria 2024-25.

Selection Rational

• The goal of PNST and AAP selection criteria is to select athletes who demonstrate the potential for a podium performance.
• For World Cup Team selection, the FIS PN points listed are a combination of the best of two (2) races.
• Athletes are listed in priority order for AAP carding nominations, as there is no priority selection order for selection to the PNST World Cup team.

The deadline to appeal PN nominations is Wednesday, May 8, 2024 11:59 PM in the time zone of the athlete’s current residence. Appeals must be submitted in writing to Nordiq Canada’s Appeal Manager, Stefano Mingarelli, at stefmingarelli@gmail.com.

Nominations (click to view)

The HPC oversaw the athlete nomination selection process as per the Nordiq Canada Selection, Nominations and Announcement policy. Members of this committee are:

• Graham Nishikawa (athlete rep – Para)
• Devon Kershaw (athlete rep – Olympic)
• Maria Lundgren (BC)
• Pauline Nadlersmith (ON)
• John Lofranco (Athletics Canada)
• Julie Beaulieu (Nordiq Canada)
• Chris Jeffries (Nordiq Canada)

Final athlete selections were approved by Chris Jeffries, High Performance Director

I know you join me in thanking Robin and Kate for their long-time service and wishing them exciting new endeavours in their professional lives. Both have been instrumental to athlete well-being and success throughout their careers with Nordiq Canada, and we are deeply thankful for their passionate contribution to the organization and our ski community.

With these changes, it is time to review the way we deliver services. We remain 100% committed to supporting athletes. We will work with athletes, coaches, partners, and staff to review and confirm a transition plan and our vision for the long term.

Today brings an opportunity to improve efficiencies and collaboration between Olympic and Paralympic programs, and development and high performance, while recognizing where specific programming and customization remain important. In this regard, I am pleased to share that Chris Jeffries has accepted the position of High Performance Director for both Olympic and Para Nordic programming.

Over the last three years, Nordiq Canada experienced meaningful growth in programs, participation, and performances. Our new strategic direction and focused investments are paying off. As you have witnessed this season, our national teams delivered remarkable results. Examples include Mark Arendz’ crystal globe for overall para biathlon World Cup standing, Derek Zaplotinsky’s first World Cup gold medal, two gold medals at U23 World Championships, and Antoine Cyr getting as close as it gets to a World Cup podium and finishing 10th in the overall standings.

We are thrilled to be enjoying great momentum from grassroots to international podiums. However, it is getting harder every year to maintain that momentum given the significant financial challenges faced by national sport organizations. Without an increase in core Sport Canada funding and with increasing costs and expectations, it is more important than ever to work together to execute on our strategic plan. With you, we remain committed to high performance as the cornerstone of our mission to see all Canadians on skis, and more Canadian athletes on podiums.

Click above to view the Selection Rationale

SUMMARY OF NOMINATIONS

U18 Athletes

Ruby Serrouya, Revelstoke Nordic Ski Club, BC

Anika Wallin, Williams Lake Cross Country Ski Club, BC

Lauren Ybema, Edmonton Nordic Ski Club, AB

Eamon Wilson, Hollyburn Cross Country Ski Club, BC

Finn Redman, Telemark Nordic Club, BC

Joel Thibault, Club Foundeurs Laurentides, QC

Alternates

Sofie Renaud, Club Nordique Mont-Sainte-Anne, QC

Addison Frank, Nakkertok Nordic, ON

Samuel Picard, Club Foundeurs Laurentides, CNEPH, QC

Raleigh Tarte, Kimberley Nordic Ski Club, BC

U20 Athletes

Alison Mackie, Edmonton Nordic Ski Club, AIAWCA, AB

Clara Hegan, Nakkertok Nordic, NTDC T-Bay, ON

Elie-Anne Tremblay, SkiBec, CNPEPH, QC

Ry Prior, Club Chelsea Nordiq, AIAWCA, QC

Alexandre Cormier, Club Foundeurs Laurentides, CNEPH, QC

Noah Weir-Chaba, Canmore Nordic Ski Club, AIAWCA, AB

Alternates

Helen McCulligh, Kanata Nordic Club, ON

Alexandra Luxmoore, Revelstoke Nordic Ski Club, BC

Adam Heale, Black Jack Cross Country Ski Club, BC

Jeremy Lantz, Club de ski de fond Montérski

Athlete nominations were made by the High Performance Committee (HPC) based on the 2023-24 Nordiq Canada Competition Trip Criteria. The HPC oversaw the selection process as per the Nordiq Canada Nomination, Selection and Announcement policy. Members of this committee are:

• Graham Nishikawa (athlete rep – Para)
• Devon Kershaw (athlete rep – Olympic)
• Maria Lundgren (BC)
• Pauline Nadlersmith (ON)
• John Lofranco (Athletics Canada)
• Julie Beaulieu (Nordiq Canada)
• Kate Boyd (Nordiq Canada)
• Chris Jeffries (Nordiq Canada)

Final athlete selections were approved by Chris Jeffries, High Performance Director – Olympic.

Click above to view the Selection Rationale

Congratulations to the following athletes who have been selected to the World Cup Period 5 Team from February 19 to March 18, 2024 with races in Lahti, Oslo, Drammen and Falun. Athlete selections were based on the 2023-24 Nordiq Canada Competition Trip Criteria.

Additional priorities considered in athlete selections were:

• Ideal team composition of three (3) athletes per gender to aid mental and physical health.
• With heavy sprint schedule in P5, continue to build on sprint and relay strategies with a focus on tactical strategies for sprint qualification.
• Team size maximum of eight (8) athletes.

The deadline to appeal World Cup P5 Team nominations is February 23, 2024 11:59 PM MST. Appeals must be submitted in writing to Nordiq Canada’s Appeal Manager, Stefano Mingarelli, at stefmingarelli@gmail.com.

SUMMARY OF NOMINATIONS

Sonjaa Schmidt, Whitehorse Cross Country Ski Club, AIAWCA

Liliane Gagnon, Skibec, CNEPH

Katherine Stewart-Jones, Nakkertok Nordic, AIAWCA

Sasha Masson, Whitehorse Cross Country Ski Club, CNEPH

Antoine Cyr, Skinouk, CNEPH

Xavier McKeever, Foothills Nordic Ski Club, AIAWCA

Pierre Grall-Johnson, Nakkertok Nordic, NTDC T-Bay

Samuel Hendry, Canmore Nordic Ski Club, CNEPH

Athlete nominations were made by the High Performance Committee (HPC) based on the 2023-24 Nordiq Canada Competition Trip Criteria. The HPC oversaw the selection process as per the Nordiq Canada Nomination, Selection and Announcement policy. Members of this committee are:

• Graham Nishikawa (athlete rep – Para)
• Devon Kershaw (athlete rep – Olympic)
• Maria Lundgren (BC)
• Pauline Nadlersmith (ON)
• John Lofranco (Athletics Canada)
• Julie Beaulieu (Nordiq Canada)
• Kate Boyd (Nordiq Canada)
• Chris Jeffries (Nordiq Canada)

Final athlete selections were approved by Chris Jeffries, High Performance Director – Olympic.