Clear the track, Crawford’s back.
Cross-country ski Olympic gold medallist Chandra Crawford is cleared to rejoin the Canadian national cross-country ski world cup team in mid-December after winning a bronze medal in a Swedish Cup sprint race on Saturday (Nov. 30).
After she left the team last spring, Cross Country Canada said Crawford had to prove she was ready to race before reclaiming her world cup spot. Coping with low iron levels, she struggled through September and October to regain her form, but traveled to Sweden in mid-November to work with coach Peter Larsson. After a few middling results, she finally had her breakthrough over the weekend.
“I’m happy to be feeling snappier,” Crawford said. “I really enjoyed racing and have some good energy and confidence that things are right on track for the Davos (Switzerland) world cup in two weeks and the Sochi skate sprint, which is less than 70 days away.”
Racing for more than a decade, Crawford was burned out after last year and stepped away from the sport for three months to weigh her options. She returned with the goal of heading to Sochi in the best shape of her life, formed her own ski team with Amanda Ammarr, Zoe Roy and Alana Thomas and sought to regain the confidence that made her one of the best sprinters in the world. In Sweden, she spent time with several teenage ski racers who helped motivate her for the sprint race.
“We all remembered the value of doing our best and having fun; hard to beat those two pillars of awesome when it comes to ski racing,” Crawford said.
“Thanks to Cross Country Canada for the patience and understanding as I have trained my absolute best this season. I’m excited,” Crawford said.
She has already earned her Olympic qualifications spot and is welcome to rejoin the team at any time. Perianne Jones will also join the team in mid-December, as she recovers from what doctors discovered to be a surplus of iron in her blood.
