Last Thursday it was announced that Yukon cross country skiers, Sasha Masson and Derek Deuling were selected to the Canadian ski team heading to Lausanne, Switzerland to compete in the Youth Olympic Games.

The pair had competed at the Haywood NorAm YOG Trials/US Super Tour held in Canmore, Alta. from Dec. 6-8 and the sprint and the distance races at the event were used as the selection process.

Masson said he went into the Haywood races without expectation.

“I did fill out the form to be eligible for selections,” said Masson. “I had no expectations.”

During the sprint, Masson had a strong showing which put him into contention for the Youth Olympic Team.

“I just went out and had a good sprint,” said Masson. “The second day I knew I was in contention and put up a decent race.”

Masson said he is excited to represent Canada.

“It’s pretty cool to represent Canada as an athlete,” said Masson. “It means so much more to represent Canada. As well, I made the team with my best bud. I’m going to take the opportunity and seize it.”

Deuling said he and Masson have been on skis together for as long as he can remember.

“It’s unbelievable because we have been skiing together forever,” said Deuling. “It’s really neat that we get to share this.”

Deuling said he was excited and still “star struck” about his name being chosen for the Canadian team. It was a dream of his he has always kept on the back-burner.

“It’s always been on the back of my mind,” said Deuling about representing Canada. “I just race the races and give it all I got.

“It means the world to me. I finally have the opportunity to rep Canada and wear the Canada race suits.”

In Canmore, he didn’t get off to the start he would have liked to.

“On the Friday sprint it didn’t go as planned,” said Deuling. “Saturday I gave it all I got and it worked out. It was really nice to forget Friday and have a really good race that Saturday.”

The Youth Olympic Games are quickly approaching, they begin on Jan. 9. The cross country skiing begins on Jan. 18.

Before they leave, Masson said they will continue training in Whitehorse.

“Training stays steady to be ready for the Games,” said Masson. “I need to hit the jump park a few more times.”

The sprint race on Jan. 19 features several technical elements including jumps and turns. It is a type of racing Masson and Deuling said they haven’t trained much in the past couple years.

“It’s not huge jumps,” said Masson. “It’s fun to do. Cross country skiing is bringing it back.”

“Absolutely ski cross is cool to do,” said Deuling. “It’s great to see it making a comeback.”

Deuling said he is focusing on fine-tuning the smaller details in his technique before heading to Switzerland.

“I’m working on getting my tempo up,” said Deuling. “In the skate, I’m getting that fluidity down pat. It’s about getting the little details in line.”

The duo arrives in Switzerland on the 14th and will be joined by Jasmine Drolet, from Rossland, B.C. and Liliane Gagnon, from Quebec. The coaches will be Matt Smider and Katie McMahon.

“I’ve heard great things about the coaches,” said Masson. “I’m looking forward to working with them.”

When the races begin, Masson said he wants to leave it all out there and represent Canada and the Yukon the best he can.

“I’ll definitely be bringing the Yukon flag,” said Masson. “In the races, I want to give it my all and die at the finish line.”

Deuling echoed Masson’s sentiments.

“My goals, I’m not going to put a number on it,” said Deuling. “I want to have fun and give it all I have. As well as make some friends who I will hopefully see at the real Olympics one day.”

Athletes will compete in a skate-ski sprint race (Jan.18), another skate sprint race that features several technical elements including jumps and turns (Jan. 19), a 5- and 10-kilometre classic-ski event (Jan. 21), and a mixed team relay (Jan. 22).

The Youth Olympic Games brings together more than 1,880 athletes ages 15 to 18, from 70 nations, who will compete in more than 80 events.