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OFF TO THE BALKANS – Pictured in action last weekend, Yukon cross-country skiers Kendra Murray, left, and Natalie Hynes will represent Canada at the junior/U23 world championships in Romania next month. Photos courtesy of MARTIN KAISER
Another successful season for the territory’s cross-country ski season continued near Thunder Bay, Ont., last weekend.
Another successful season for the territory’s cross-country ski season continued near Thunder Bay, Ont., last weekend.
Two members of the Yukon ski team were named to Canada’s roster for the upcoming junior/U23 world championships in Rasnov, Romania, set for Feb. 22 to 28.
Natalie Hynes earned a coveted position on the junior team while Kendra Murray was named to the U23 roster. Coach Amanda Deuling will also make the trip as an apprentice on the team’s support staff.
Hynes and Murray earned their roster positions via top performances at the Haywood NorAm Continental Cup and Buff Sprint series held at Lappe Nordic, near Thunder Bay.
The weekend included free technique sprint races Thursday, and classic distance races Friday.
Sunday’s skiathlon was cancelled due to cold weather.
Hynes, 18, said she wasn’t expecting to get the tap from Canada.
“It was definitely a pretty big surprise,” the Grade 12 student at F.H. Collins said yesterday. “Without the second distance race, I thought my chances were slimmer, but I was definitely hoping.”
Hynes is in the midst of a breakout season, claiming the local Don Sumanik race series title last month.
She will also lead a ski contingent of 23 into the 2016 Arctic Winter Games in Greenland this March.
“It’s pretty great,” Hynes said of the prospect of representing her country in Romania. “I’ve never raced outside of Canada, other than Alaska. It will be pretty amazing to travel to Europe and ski, and see the next level.”
Yukon head coach Alain Masson said the roster news came as a “pleasant surprise.”
“Going into the races, we knew that there was a chance that one of them could qualify for the trip, but they would have to race well for that to happen,” he told the Star.
“It is very exciting for both of them – as well as for the program – as it demonstrates that hard work and dedication can make great things happen.”
Murray did not respond to a request for comment before press time today.
Yukon Premier Darrell Pasloski offered his congratulations to the two skiers via Twitter, Sunday.
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Comments (2)
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Whitehorse Star Sports on Jan 21, 2016 at 1:15 pm
UPDATE
"I am thrilled with this opportunity to represent Canada at the U23 championships," Murray said in an email to the Star Wednesday night. "It is my last year to qualify as U23, so I'm super happy things fell into place."
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R and B on Jan 21, 2016 at 11:19 am
Congratulations Natalie! We will follow you all the way to the TOP! we KNOW THAT YOU CAN MAKE IT. Just an other one to add to your collectionn