Last weekend, nordic ski racer Andrea Lee of Black Creek clocked the fastest time in the women’s under-23 Skiathlon event at the World Trials and earned a spot on the Canadian U23 Team.
Later this month, Lee heads to Liberec, Czech Republic, for the World U23 Ski Championships.
“I’m very excited to head to Liberec. This is my first time representing Canada – and the Strathcona Nordics! – overseas, and I know it will be a phenomenal experience,” says Lee. “My goal is enjoy the experience, learn lots, and ski as fast as I can!”
Lee’s home club is the Mt. Washington-based Strathcona Nordic Ski Club, where she trained and raced throughout her teen years.
“It is fantastic that Andrea has made the national team,” said Dave Battison, Lee’s former coach. “I hope that this is the catalyst that takes her on to international success.”
The world championships are a week-long event with five races over nine days. Some of the best skiers in the world will be attending this event, the future World Cup and Olympic stars.
For the past two years, Lee has been training with the National Team Development Centre in Thunder Bay, Ontario, while attending Lakehead University, working towards a degree in biology.
She’s a long way from home, but she remains close to her family and friends.
“It feels so great to hear so many words of support and encouragement from people from the club and ski community on the Island,” says Lee. “It’s extremely motivating to feel so much support even when I’m on the other side of the county. Thank you!”
You can follow Lee’s progress online at www.ntdc-tbay.on.ca/andrea.htm