Alison Mackie Claims U23 World Championships Title, Xavier McKeever Claims Bronze in a historic day for Canadian cross‑country skiing
Canada celebrated a historic day at the 2026 FIS Nordic Junior and U23 World Ski Championships as Alison Mackie stormed to gold in the women’s 20‑kilometre mass start free, and Xavier McKeever won bronze, the first individual U23 World Championship medals for both athletes.
All eyes were on the current U23 World Cup leader Mackie heading into the championships, marked as one of the favourites for the day. Despite the added pressure, she managed the early laps with patience, staying tucked into the draft of the lead group. “It was about racing smart,” said Mackie. “I stayed in the pack, conserved energy, and I knew if I was first over the top of the last hill, I’d have a really good chance of winning.”
As the pace surged into the final climb, Mackie made her move, cresting the hill with a gap over her competition and charging into the final straight. “The finish here is short, so positioning is everything,” she added. “I skied the last kilometre perfectly and couldn’t be happier.”
The magnitude of the moment hit her as she crossed the line. “It’s definitely an indescribable feeling. I’m really, really happy and proud,” said Mackie. “This whole week has been fantastic for Team Canada, everyone is lifting each other up, and that gave me so much confidence heading into the final lap.”
Mackie took the win finishing at a time of 49:41, with Norway’s Eva Ingebrigtsen finishing second and France’s Léonie Perry third.
Eva INGEBRIGTSEN, NOR, bib number 3, run 1, Alison MACKIE, CAN, bib number 2, run 1, Leonie PERRY, FRA, bib number 1, run 1, winner photo, U23 Women’s 20km Mass Start Free at FIS Junior and U23 World Cross-Country Ski Championships in Lillehammer, Norway, 2026-03-05, Photo Credit: Fredrik Hagen
Two hours after Mackie’s gold, it was McKeever’s turn to battle for a U23 World Championships medal. “I was hearing O Canada as they played the anthem for her,” said McKeever. “That was a really cool moment, definitely some inspiration for sure.”
In a stacked men’s field, McKeever navigated a chaotic first lap, then much like Mackie settled into the draft and conserved energy. “It was super competitive all the way,” he said. “I had to be careful with positioning and make smart moves late.” The lead group of 10 charged into the final straight, each fighting for a place on the podium.
“I had two really good downhills and a really good crest of the final hill going into the finish,” he added. “Once the inside lane opened up, I shut my brain off and went for it, sprinted as hard as I could.”
Finding a sliver of daylight through the traffic, McKeever lunged for the line to finish third behind Germany’s Elias Keck who finished at a time of 43:32, and Savelii Korostelev in silver.
The bronze was a long time coming. “It feels amazing,” he said. “I’ve been chasing an individual medal at this event for years, so to finally break through is a relief and a testament to all the hard work.” He celebrated with teammates just beyond the finish. “Seeing the Canadian flags, hearing the anthem earlier for Alison, it was pretty sweet. Days like this show what’s possible for our team.”
The two medals come amid three straight days of celebration for Canada at the championships. “We’ve had a top‑10 every day at these championships, and the momentum is lifting the whole team,” McKeever said. “You see it on the World Cup, at the Olympics, and here at World Juniors and U23s, Canada is on the come‑up. It’s motivating to be part of a group where so many people are doing great things.”
Mackie echoed that sentiment. “Everyone here is doing so well, it’s inspiring,” she said. “Our juniors, U23s and seniors are pushing the standard together. That energy carried me today.”
“This is truly a historic day for Canadian skiing,” said Nordiq Canada CEO Beckie Scott. “We knew how talented and strong this team was going into the championships, and seeing these medals and the results the team has had is proof that Canada’s skiers, coaches and wax techs are on the rise, moving the bar forward every season.”
Racing at the FIS Nordic Junior and U23 World Ski Championships continues through March 8 in Lillehammer, with the mixed team relays still to come.
Full Results: https://www.fis-ski.com/DB/general/event-details.html?sectorcode=CC&eventid=62427&seasoncode=2026