Photo by Dan Roycroft

Shayla Swanson celebrates her 17th place pursuit finish.

The Alberta World Cup Academy wrapped up an incredible weekend of racing at the Whistler Olympic Park yesterday, posting numerous personal best World Cup results and clearly demonstrating that it's athletes belong on the worlds biggest stage.

The weekend was highlighted by top 20 results from Chris Butler and Shayla Swanson in the pursuit event on Saturday. Chris Butler skied to a 14th place finish in just his second career weekend of World Cup competition. Swanson was equally impressive, finishing 17th as the second Canadian in the 15km pursuit in what has become a banner season for the Calgary native.

The nine Academy athletes on the line in the World Cup all put in strong performances, and the efforts left out on the trails were impressive across the board. The weekend's results included:

Shayla Swanson - 17th pursuit, 22nd sprint
Chris Butler - 14th pursuit, 38th sprint, 17th team sprint
Brooke Gosling - 27th pursuit, 11th team sprint
Heidi Widmer - 49th sprint
Marlis Kromm - 54th sprint
Rhonda Jewett - 51st sprint
Kate Brennan - 37th sprint
Alysson Marshall - 40th sprint, 12th team sprint
Terrell Stephen - 40th sprint

Complete results are available at www.fis-ski.com.

The top results can be equally attributed to the incredible team supporting the Academy athletes at the event, with head wax technician Mike Mappin clearly demonstrating that when it comes to the world stage Canmore Nordic Sport Services and SOLDA' wax are among the leaders. A big thank you to Mike and the team of volunteers that have helped the Academy demonstrate it's international potential in it's first season first season.

The Academy team will now travel to Rossland, BC for the next stop on the NorAm circuit next weekend, where the skate sprint will be the final event in deciding the Canadian World Championship team.

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Whistler World Cup Photo Gallery (Jan 19th, 2009) Photos of the Alberta World Cup Academy at the Whistler World Cup, January 16th-18th. » more »