Vernon’s own Hannah Mehain keeps it cool as BC Team coach Chris Manhard cheers her on in 15 kilometre Classic Mass Start U23 World Championship trials action in Canmore Sunday, Dec. 16. (Photo submitted)

Vernon’s own Hannah Mehain keeps it cool as BC Team coach Chris Manhard cheers her on in 15 kilometre Classic Mass Start U23 World Championship trials action in Canmore Sunday, Dec. 16. (Photo submitted)

Vernon’s Mehain is Finland bound

Vernon cross-country skier Hannah Mehain will compete in World Championships in Finland this January

  • Dec. 18, 2018 12:00 a.m.

Hannah Mehain has glided her way onto the Canadian World Championships U23 Team.

Mehain was in Canmore for the Cross Country Skiing World Junior/U23 Trials where, in her first year competing as a senior, she claimed third overall and the top spot for U23 Women in the 15 kilometre Classic Mass Start race Sunday, Dec. 16.

“During the race my skis were gliding well so I used that to my advantage,” said the 20-year-old competitor.

Prior to Sunday’s Classic Mass, Mehain had been bumped out of the ranks in Classic Sprints on Thursday and the 10k on Saturday. She knew distance was her shot.

“My goal was to ski with good technique and stay with the top U23’s,” Mehain said. “In the middle of the race I felt like I could pull away so I did, which I maintained until the finish.”

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Canada’s U23 Team leaves Jan. 7, 2019 for Sjusjøen, Norway for 10 days of training before the World Junior/U23 Championships are underway in Lahti, Finland Jan. 20-26.

Mehain said she is excited to be part of the dynamic Canadian team that features five B.C. skiers.

Earlier in December, Mehain had a good start to the season with her races at Frozen Thunder in Canmore and the Sovereign Lake NorAm.


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