The Strathcona Nordic cross country ski team recently competed at the provincial championships at Larch Hills near Salmon Arm. The three-day event — the last of the BC Cup racing series — featured a mass start classic race, interval skate and a team relay.
In the mass start classic, Gillian Galik of Royston recovered from a fall mid-race to capture the silver medal. Gabe Gledhill of Cumberland persevered on the difficult 11.25km course to come third. Emmanuel Bussani was fourth in his age category, and Emma Wong of Comox and Gavin Chatterton of Campbell River both skied to an impressive fifth-place finish.
The interval skate race proved to be a strength for Strathcona athletes with eight of 15 finishing in the top five.
“Our skis were the fastest out there on the course today,” said Stephen Lamon, who gained on his opponents to claim fifth place in the junior boys 1 category. Emmanuel Bussani was also fifth for the older junior boys. Gabe raced to fourth on his second day and Anna Chatterton had a season’s best finish of fourth for the juvenile girls. Aiden Noble of Comox and Ben Galik of Royston each placed third in their categories. Gillian and Gavin both won silvers.
In the relay, the junior boys team (Emmanuel Bussani, Stephen and Gabe) skied to a silver, missing gold by 10 seconds.
BC Cup Aggregate awards were given to athletes who accumulated the most points in their age category for the season. Gillian was first for 2008 girls, Gavin was second for 2007 boys, Ben was third for 2010 boys and Gabe was third for 2002 boys.
“It is wonderful to watch the athletes reach their goals, and see the results of all their hard work and training throughout the season. This is a very difficult sport both mentally and physically, and the dedication and drive of these athletes is truly impressive,” said coach Marika Galik.
FMI: www.strathconanordics.com, or find the club on Facebook and Instagram.