Yukon Olympic cross country skier Dahria Beatty would have competed in her final world cup race of her season this weekend. But due to concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, it, like so many other sporting events were cancelled.

The final world cup was to be held in Canmore, Alta., which is where the Canadian cross country ski team trains.

The last 11 races of the season were cancelled but Beatty said the icing of the Canmore race hit differently.

“It hit harder,” said Beatty. “I’m currently in Canmore and this weekend had spectacular weather. It would have been really special to showcase where we train to the world.

“The final race was going to be a mixed relay – a first at a world cup. It’s sad to not be a part of that historical moment but there will be more races in Canada.”

Before Canmore, Beatty and the ski team were in Quebec for another world cup race but that to was cancelled.

She said personally, as an athlete it’s disappointing but understands the reasoning.

“It’s the right decision,” said Beatty. “There is really nothing you can do.

Everyone, athletes and non-athletes are in the same boat. We need to nip this as much as possible before it gets bigger.”

Although she didn’t get to compete in half her scheduled races, she said it was a positive season.

“Results-wise, this was my best season to date,” said Beatty. “I was more successful and more consistent. My good days were close to what I want and my average days I was still competitive.

“I was definitely happy with that. It’s hard to say what could have been, but there are positives going forward that I hope to build on.”

The highlight of her shortened season came shortly before Christmas in Planica, Slovenia where she finished 16th in the sprint races.

It wasn’t the result she was most proud of, but instead, it was how she handled the conditions.

“That race had crazy weather,” said Beatty. “Things came together.

“It’s funny. I don’t enjoy training in the rain but I like racing in the rain. It helps me focus. You have to battle against it and dig a little deeper to find that grit.

“It was a fun race to be apart of and even though I wasn’t able to get to the semifinal they were right there.”

Beatty is currently self-isolating in Canmore, as she was at world cup events with international skiers.

She is keeping up with her training. Beatty said there are always bridges to gap and has things identified to improve upon to be ready for next season.

“In Canmore, they are still grooming the trails,” said Beatty. “Skiing is a good sport to be in if you are self-isolating. The nice thing about this sport is you don’t need a facility to continue to work – we are lucky in that sense.”

Beatty said although she can practice by herself, training is always better with teammates. However, the ski team is going to respect what the government has asked them to do.

With a long offseason ahead, Beatty said she is going to stay positive and work on carrying that momentum over to next year.