NEWS RELASE
TEAM HARDWOOD
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Team Hardwood, a local cross-country ski team based in Oro-Medonte, recently wrapped up their season at the 2023 Nordiq Canada Ski Nationals in Thunder Bay.
The team sent 12 of their athletes ages 14 to 19 to compete against the best skiers in Canada. The group, most of them in their first year of an age category, brought home some impressive results.
Out of the four races they competed in, Team Hardwood brought home one podium, four top-10 finishes and 12 top-20 finishes.
Theodore Ochyrm, a U20 skier now training with the Alpine Insurance Alberta World Cup Academy, achieved the team's one podium, placing fifth in the skate sprint. Despite qualifying for the heats in 19th place, he worked his way up to the final racing with impressive speed and tactics.
Ochyrm and U18 teammate Liam Ryan raced the following day in the team sprints, an event that sees athletes race 12 times around an 800m course, alternating legs. The boys raced up into the Open Men’s Challenge Category, finishing 14th place in the 'A' final.
“I’m so happy with our result, considering we were the youngest team starting the race today. I think that we have a strong team and I know that we will be a team competing for medals in the future,” said Ryan in an interview after the race.
Anna Vurma, a U14 skier and Grade 8 student at Regent Park Public School, also had a strong showing at nationals. She raced up into the U16 girls' category and managed to finish in the top 10 amongst some of the strongest girls in the country. Vurma was thrilled with her week.
"I feel like I learned a lot from my older teammates this week as well as my races," said Vurma. "I gained lots of knowledge this year racing against the older girls that will help me race even better in future years."
Other Team Hardwood athletes competing at nationals include Twin Lakes Secondary School students Elle Waite and Erik Vurma, Orillia Secondary School student Madelaine Young, Beth Marchant, Holly Ryan, Abby Davidson, Nathan Golisky, Jackson Golisky, Percy Weirsma and Tommy Hajek.
Team Hardwood head coach Jack Sasseville said he was proud of the athletes.
“Ski Nationals was a successful conclusion to a great year of racing and training for Hardwood," said Sasseville. "I am excited by the progress that everyone on the team has made, and I'm looking forward to even greater progress next year.“
The success of the team was also reflected in the XCSO Ontario Cup team's aggregate standings. Team Hardwood finished the year as the third best team in the province, a remarkable accomplishment that rewards the teams with the best depth of skiers from U16 to Open categories over 12 Ontario Cup races.
Three athletes — Elle Waite (U18), Anna Vurma (U16), and Liam Ryan (U18) — also placed in the top three for the series points in their respective categories.
Team Hardwood begins the next season with up to five athletes who could be nominated to the 2023/24 Ontario Junior Ski Team and one athlete who will be nominated to the Ontario Ski Team.
Team Hardwood does not only measure success by podium finishes and top rankings, but also by the support and encouragement that each member of the team receives, regardless of their results.
By fostering a culture of inclusivity and support, Team Hardwood is not only developing talented skiers but also creating a community that values teamwork, perseverance, and the importance of lifting each other up, both on and off the ski trails.
Thank you to our sponsors for your support this year. Our sponsors make it possible for our athletes to train and compete with the best support all year round. For a list of our current sponsors please visit teamhardwood.ca. Team Hardwood is always looking for new corporate sponsors, if your business is interested in joining a team that supports the development of young skiers in Simcoe County, please email [email protected].
All results from 2023 Nationals can be viewed here.
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