June 12, 2012 (Toronto, ON) – We’re pleased to announce the winners of the annual SkiTrax Annual North American (NA) Nordic Ski Awards that recognize elite, U23 and junior skiers, along with Conti Cup, collegiate, biathlon, Nordic combined, jumping competitors and Paranordic skiers.
Not surprising the man of the hour is Canadian star, Devon Kershaw from Sudbury, who had a record-shattering season capturing second overall in the men’s World Cup and also won Canada’s first sprint gold along with five medals, making him the most successful Canadian men’s cross-country skier ever. While he reached one of his goals on the WCup circuit this season, he’s after a Tour de Ski final podium spot as well, and here’s his take on the season passed and the one that lies ahead…
“It was the most amazing season on the ski trails I could have imagined last year. After some disappointment at the Tour de Ski (my goal was to be on the podium, and to be 4th was tough!) and prior to that during the first World Cup period, I just started rolling along. I’m not sure how I did it – and it was without question the toughest and most draining seasons of my career. I can’t really fathom how my body was able to be so ready every weekend for months and months.
“While I struggle to understand my results, I am so proud of what our team accomplished this season. 14 podiums – Alex winning his first World Cup in Falun with his father watching on, Chandra back on the World Cup podium where she belongs and will be a staple there for years to come, Lenny putting together one of the most impressive 10 days of racing I’ve seen anybody do (with podiums in Drammen, Stockholm and Falun) and Peri tasting World Cup success for the first time – wow.
“Couple that with top 10 results across the board from our entire World Cup team (Ivan’s 7th in the deathly punishing 30km individual start race in Davos this year sticks out as one of the most impressive races of the season for me – when you do it alone like that, it’s something special) it makes for a season to remember for Canadian ski fans.
“We are training hard again and are keen to improve this season. I’ve had some challenges early on here, but my motivation and drive remain strong and I know that Alex, Lenny, Chandra, Peri and Ivan are all at better places already (I’m sure Dasha is as well, I just haven’t seen or talked to her yet this training season) here in early June when compared to previous seasons. It’s going to be another exciting season to follow along!”
SkiTrax 2011-2012 North American (NA) Nordic Ski Award Winners
Best Overall Elite Male Skier
Devon Kershaw
Best Overall Elite Female Skier
Kikkan Randall
Best Sprinter Male
Len Valjas
Best Sprinter Female
Kikkan Randall
Best Distance Skier Male
Devon Kershaw
Best Distance Skier Female
Kikkan Randall
Best Overall Conti Cup Male Skier
Kevin Sandau
Best Overall Conti Cup Female Skier
Jessie Diggins
Best Overall U23 Male Skier
Noah Hoffman
Best Overall U23 Female Skier
Jessie Diggins
Best Overall Junior Male Skier
Knute Johnsgaard
Best Overall Junior Female Skier
Maya MacIsaac-Jones
Best Overall Collegiate Male
Andre Marchand and Harry Seaton (tie)
Best Overall Collegiate Female
Sophie Caldwell
Paul Robbins Best Breakthrough or Exceptional Nordic Performance(s) (Male or Female)
Jessie Diggins
Best Overall Biathlete Male
Lowell Bailey
Best Overall Biathlete Female
Zina Kocher
Best Overall Nordic Combined Male
Bill Demong
Best Overall Best Overall Ski Jumping Male
Peter Frenette
Best Overall Best Overall Ski Jumping Female
Sarah Hendrickson
Best Overall Para-Nordic Male
Brian McKeever and guide Eric Carleton (visually impaired)
Article Link: http://skitrax.com/43895/