Maya MacIsaac-Jones took her skiing career to new heights at the 2012 Winter Youth Olympic Games in Innsbruck, Austria this month.
Competing against the very best young athletes in the world, the cross-country skier from Athabasca competed in three races and made her hometown (and country) proud in all of them.
On Jan. 17 she finished 17th in the ladies 5km classic race. Then, on Jan. 19, she finished eighth in the ladies sprint free race. In her last race on Jan. 21, MacIsaac-Jones was a part of the mixed team relay that combined the Cross-Country Skiing team and the Biathlon team in one race. Alongside Calgary’s Danielle Vrielink and Stuart Harden and Edmonton’s Matthew Saurette, she contributed to the team’s 13th place finish.
Though she was proud of all of her performances at the event, it’s the eighth place finish in the ladies sprint that really stands out.
“I didn’t expect to get a top ten result,” she said. In the qualifying round for the race, she finished 15th, but was able to significantly improve on that result in the final race.
“It was really exciting to be in contention with the top girls. I prepared really well for that race. Everything just fit together perfectly.”
From start to finish, the experience of being in Austria for the Games was a memorable one for the local athlete. As a member of Team Canada, she proudly took part in the opening ceremonies of the event. Those who have seen the Olympics know how breathtaking the ceremony can be, and the Youth Olympics was no different.
“The ceremonies were amazing. The fireworks and speeches and everything were really incredible,” she said.
Donning her country’s colours was a moving experience for her, even moreso than she had anticipated.
“I definitely didn’t expect to feel so much pride in being on Team Canada,” she said. “It was exciting to meet all of the different athletes from our country. We all got to work together as a team and I had a lot of fun with that.”
She even had the opportunity to ‘talk shop’ with her skiing idol Becky Scott, who served as chef du mission for Team Canada.
Spending time in Innsbruck and seeing a whole new country and culture for the first time was also a natural highlight of the trip. Though her focus was understandably on the competition, she was still able to take some time and appreciate her surroundings.
“We had the chance to walk around Innsbruck, and get used to the whole environment… learn more about the culture and the different foods they eat. It was really fun to be able to see what it’s like.”
Despite the new surroundings, however, the snow and the slopes were as familiar as ever, and MacIsaac-Jones brought all of her skill and experience to the event. Those who have followed her career won’t be surprised that she notched results that place her among the best young skiers in the world. And though she now returns to skiing at the regional and national level, she eagerly awaits the day that she can test herself against the world’s best once again.
“There are some really fast racers out there. I definitely have a lot to work towards, but it’s nice to know it’s not unreachable,” she said. “It helped me to realize that I can. Being one of the top racers is possible.”
The next big race is nationals in Quebec in March. Last year she earned silver and bronze medals at the competition, and she hopes to do even better in 2012.
At that event, like the Youth Olympics, she’ll know she has Athabasca cheering her on.
“It’s really nice to have the great support of my friends and family back home. It helps to know everyone back here is supporting me.”
