Update (March 6, 2020): Congratulations to everyone who qualified for FIS Freestyle Junior World Championships. While the region of Saint-Lary is not reported to be affected by this virus the Local Organizing Committee has cancelled the event due to restrictions imposed by the French government.  Read more here. 

Calgary, AB (February 26, 2020) – Alpine Canada congratulates the Canadian ski cross athletes named to the 2020 FIS Junior Freestyle Ski and Snowboard World Championships team. 10 Canadians will represent Canada on the world stage in St. Lary, FRA competing March 19 – 21. 

“We’re excited to see these young athletes compete, many of them for the first time at this level. It is our hope that over the next two or three years they are clear medal contenders at this event,” said Dave Ellis, High Performance Director for the Canadian Ski Cross team.  “It is vital to the development of our athletes that they get opportunities like this.”

Canada has a strong history of success at the Junior World Champs, with Marielle Thompson, India Sherret, Mikayla Martin and Zoe Chore claiming titles in 2013, 2015, 2018 and 2019 respectively. In 2016, Kris Mahler brought home bronze medal for Canada. Zach Belczyk and Alexa Velcic earned silver and bronze respectively in 2017, while Gavin Rowell brought home silver in 2019. 

Head Coach – Jordan Williams 

Emeline Bennett (Whistler Mountain Ski Club Ski Cross / BC / 2003) 
Austin Boehm (Okanagan Zone Team / BC / 2001) 
Samantha Carter (Evolve Ski Cross / AB / 2001) 
Sarah Clarke (Alberta Ski Cross Club / AB / 2000) 
Zach Reynolds (Alberta Ski Cross Team / AB / 1999) 
Gavin Rowell (Canadian Ski Cross Team / BC / 1999)
Sage Stefani (Evolve Ski Cross / BC / 2002) 
Phillip Tremblay (Alberta Ski Cross Team / AB / 1999)
Kiersten Vincett (Alberta Ski Cross Club / AB / 2000) 
Andrew Wilson (Alberta Ski Cross Team / AB / 1999) 

While many of the athletes competed last year at the 2019 FIS Junior Freestyle Ski and Snowboard World Championships in Reiteralm, AUT it will be the first time competing at the Junior World Championships for Zach Reynolds, Andrew Wilson and Austin Boehm, Sage Stefani, Samantha Carter and Emeline Bennet. 

Rowell finished in 2nd last year while Tremblay finished in 43rd. On the women’s side Sarah Clarke finished in 9thlast year while Kiersten Vincett finished in 25th. 

The 2020 FIS Junior Freestyle Ski and Snowboard World Championships are open to ski cross athletes born 1999 – 2003. 

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For more information or media inquiries please contact:
Whitney Hunter I Manager of Communications 
whunter@alpinecanada.orgI 403-471-6032 

ABOUT ALPINE CANADA

Alpine Canada is the governing body for alpine, para-alpine and ski cross racing in Canada, as well as for Canadian ski coaches, providing education, certification, insurance and compliance with the coaching code of conduct. With the support of valued corporate partners and donors, along with the Government of Canada, Own the Podium, the Canadian Olympic Committee and the Coaching Association of Canada, Alpine Canada develops Olympic, Paralympic, World Championship and World Cup athletes to stimulate visibility, inspiration and growth in the ski community. In 2020, Alpine Canada celebrates 100 years of rich tradition in competitive skiing in Canada.