Arrowhead Nordic racers’ hard work pays off at nationals in Canmore

Three young members of the Arrowhead Nordic race team took their efforts all the way to the Ski Nationals – the Canadian Nordic championships held from March 18-25, 2017. Sophia Marshall (14), Fiona Shearing (14), and Graham Shearing (17) travelled to Alberta’s Canmore Nordic Centre, built for the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, for five exciting days of racing including ski cross, classic and skate skiing, sprints and distance racing. Joining the three athletes was Trevor Kiers (19), a local biathlete who raced in the skate races and in the ski cross relay.

These young team members competed against the best in Canada, including very strong provincial teams, national development team athletes, and national team athletes. Anthony Shearing (father of Fiona and Graham) shared his thoughts on the week: “Our athletes raced hard and represented Arrowhead very well. For many races, the Arrowhead athletes finished in the top third in competitive fields of up to 120 of the fastest skiers in the country.” The Arrowhead Nordic team points together had them place 49th out of 64 teams – way to represent team!

The athletes have a set training schedule that enables them to improve their fitness and skiing in order to compete in such an event. The dedication to train year round – including weekly off-season training sessions, training camps and biweekly on-snow instruction – prepares these athletes mentally and physically.

Sophia Marshall mentioned that one of the barriers to Ontario athletes heading to the mountains to compete in endurance events was the difference in altitude. To prepare herself, she arrived in the West a week earlier than the actual event to allow her body to acclimatize. Trevor Kiers has also been training hard since May at the Canmore Nordic centre with the Canadian Biathlon training centre.

Both Fiona and Sophia were competing against girls that were two years older than them, with more training time and race experience, and who held positions on the provincial team. But these two girls competed hard and brought their skills to every race earning them results to be very proud of.

Sophia Marshall finished in the top 39 per cent of the field which is incredible considering her age (YOB 2003). Overall, Sophia’s standing placed her as the fourth girl for Ontario – very impressive, Sophia. We wish you luck in your continued training to reach your goal of obtaining a spot on the provincial team when you become of age.

Fiona Shearing participated with the Juvenile Girls (YOB 2002) in the Interval start 5km Skate, Interval start 5km Classic, 1.1 Classic Sprint and in the 7.5km Mass start Skate race. Her Individual points earned her the number one spot for 2002 Females from Ontario and 20th overall. Well done, Fiona!

“Both Fiona and Sophia had top Ontario results for their respective years, which highlights the depth of Nordic skiing in Canada,” said Anthony Shearing.

Graham Shearing (17) competed in the 7.5km Interval Start Classic race finishing 67th and the 15km Mass Start Skate race finishing 60th. A highlight of the week was his strong 13th place finish in the 1.1K Sprint races. Overall, Graham’s individual points earned him a 27th finish for the YOB 1999 Males and 13th from Ontario. Great finish, Graham!

Trevor Kiers (19) raced in the Ski Cross relay with Graham Shearing, finishing 22nd in the Open Men category. He also competed in the 10km Interval Start Skate race finishing 60th and in the 30km Mass Start Skate race finishing 29th in very tough snow conditions due to the warmer temperatures. Keep up the hard work, Trevor!

Emily Jones (20), a former Arrowhead Nordic skier, represented Carleton University at the Nationals as well. Emily Finished 44th in the 5km Skate race, 42nd in the 10km Classic race, 27th in the 1.3 km Classic Sprint and 28th in the 30km Skate race.

Congratulations to all members from the Arrowhead Nordic Ski Team, and the coaches, parents and spectators for such a successful season. Good luck to all members who are continuing to train, balancing school and staying healthy. See you next year!

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