Canadian Ski Coach Confident in Medal Prospects at Milan Olympics

Julia Mehre Ystgaard, the head coach of the Canadian cross-country ski team, expresses her strong confidence in their potential for medal wins at the upcoming Milan Cortina Olympics. She firmly believes in the athletes’ abilities and their synergy in team events. Ystgaard highlighted the focus on the men’s relay and women’s team sprint, which will be pivotal for their Olympic success.

Canadian Cross-Country Skiing Olympic History

Canada has historically struggled to secure Olympic medals in cross-country skiing, achieving only three medals to date, all earned by female athletes. Key historic achievements include:

• Beckie Scott: Gold in the women’s 10-kilometre pursuit in 2002 (Salt Lake City), upgraded after drug disqualifications.
• Beckie Scott and Sara Renner: Silver in the team sprint in 2006 (Turin).
• Chandra Crawford: Gold in the free sprint in 2006.

Key Team Dynamics for the Milan Olympics

At the Milan Cortina Olympics, Ystgaard leads a 12-member team characterized by youthful talent and a few experienced veterans. The team’s average age is 24.5, with eight members aged 23 or younger. The team includes:

• 20 years old: Alison Mackie (youngest member).
• 25 years old: Remi Drolet.
• 27 years old: Antoine Cyr.
• 30 years old: Katherine Stewart-Jones.
• 33 years old: Olivia Bouffard-Nesbitt.

While only Drolet, Cyr, Stewart-Jones, and Bouffard-Nesbitt possess Olympic experience, the younger athletes have shown promising performances at junior levels. This blend of experience and youth under Ystgaard’s guidance is projected to positively impact their Olympic performance.

Preparations and Training

Recent training results have been promising; Mackie secured a fifth-place finish in Stage 3 of the Tour de Ski on December 31. Cyr also excelled, finishing 11th that day. The Canadian team prepared for the Olympics at an altitude camp in Engadin Valley, Switzerland, enhancing their readiness for the competition.

Ystgaard emphasizes the importance of altitude training and expresses confidence in the team’s familiarity with the Olympic course. Located 300 kilometers northeast of Milan at the Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium, the venue features 19 kilometers of groomed trails and will also host Nordic combined events.

Course Insights

The Olympic course promises to be challenging yet familiar for the athletes, as they have raced it annually during the Tour de Ski. Ystgaard appreciates the course’s tactical elements and overall suitability for the games, believing that it enhances the team’s chances for success.

Coach’s Background and Experience

Julia Mehre Ystgaard brings extensive coaching experience, having previously held multiple roles, including assistant coach and technical services coordinator. Originally from Norway, her journey began as an exchange student in Canada while pursuing her degree at the Norwegian School for Sport Sciences.

Her coaching career accelerated when invited by Erik Braaten to assist the Canadian team. After transitioning to the World Cup team in 2022, she eventually became its lead in May 2024. Ystgaard’s proficiency in English and French further supports her coaching effectiveness, enabling strong communication within her diverse team.

Canada’s Olympic Cross-Country Ski Team

The Canadian cross-country ski team for the Milan Olympics includes:

• Men:
  • Antoine Cyr, Gatineau, Que.
  • Remi Drolet, Rossland, B.C.
  • Max Hollmann, Thunder Bay, Ont.
  • Xavier McKeever, Canmore, Alta.
  • Tom Stephen, Calgary.
• Women:
  • Olivia Bouffard‑Nesbitt, Morin Heights, Que.
  • Jasmine Drolet, Rossland, B.C.
  • Liliane Gagnon, Shawinigan-Sud, Que.
  • Alison Mackie, Edmonton.
  • Sonjaa Schmidt, Whitehorse.
  • Katherine Stewart-Jones, Chelsea, Que.
  • Amelia Wells, Victoria.
• Alternate: Graham Ritchie, Parry Sound, Ont.

With their promising talent and Ystgaard’s leadership, Canada’s cross-country ski team is ready to tackle the challenges at the Milan Cortina Olympics.