From January 27 to February 5, 2023, the FIS Nordic Junior/U23 World Ski Championships took place at Whistler Olympic Park. More than 530 athletes from 38 countries competed for the World Champion titles in Cross-Country Skiing, Ski Jumping, and Nordic Combined. Switzerland was also represented in Whistler and the Consulate General of Switzerland in Vancouver and the SCCC decided to use this great opportunity to organize a VIP Meet & Greet with the Swiss athletes on Saturday, January 28, 2023, in the VIP area hosted by Nordiq Canada.
On January 28, 2023, around 20 SCCC members and guests made their way to Whistler in bright sunshine to support and welcome the Swiss athletes during the Junior cross-country ski sprint qualifying and finals. With the loudest cheers, Swiss flags, and cowbells the attendees were waiting in the VIP area by the finish line in the cross-country stadium to support the Swiss athletes and give them the last push over the finish line. The excitement and suspension were high, and everybody enjoyed watching the great and impressive sprints of the young athletes. Besides the sporting spectacle, the SCCC members and guests were able to enjoy the cozy VIP area hosted by Nordiq Canada. Some fire pots, cozy blankets, and delicious hot chocolate, soups, and sandwiches kept everyone warm.
After the final sprint, the event slowly came to an end and we had the great chance to meet and exchange some words with the Swiss athletes and the trainer of the Junior Swiss cross-country ski team. The athletes enjoyed the Swiss support so far away from home a lot and we were very happy to give them a warm welcome.
It was a fantastic event with lots of new contacts, good conversations, and exciting cross-country ski action in the best weather conditions. Everyone enjoyed soaking up the sun and vitamin D. It was great to see SCCC members reconnecting with each other and getting to know other Swiss people from the area.
Despite all the Swiss support, there was no medal luck for Switzerland in the Junior cross-country sprint finals on this day. However, this was only the start of the championship and during the week the Swiss athletes claimed a few medals.
- Swiss athlete Marina Kaelin won bronze in the Cross-Country Junior Individual Free 10km competition claiming Switzerland’s first medal of the Championship on February 2, 2023.
- In the Cross-Country Junior Mixed Relay U23 race Switzerland’s Kaelin, Wigger, Weber, and Savary claimed the bronze medal, with the Swiss team cheering loudly at the finish line and tossing their teammates up in the air.
“Chapeau” to all the great results and performances of the Swiss athletes. We wish you all the best and lots of success in the future. Hopp Schwiz!
We would like to thank the Consulate General of Switzerland in Vancouver and the Black Tusk Nordic Event Society for their great cooperation in organizing this fantastic event. Moreover, we would like to thank Nordiq Canada for sharing the VIP space with us. Last but not least we would like to thank the Swiss Ski Cross-Country team who took the time to meet us after the final. We appreciate everyone who came to this unique event and thank you all.
You can find more information about the FIS Nordic Junior/U23 World Ski Championships here. https://www.wjc2023.ca/