Sibling skiers race in Canada Winter Games

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This article was published 14/03/2019 (2580 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Growing up skiing the Turtle Mountain cross-country trails, Imogen Nadlersmith, 15, and her brother Levi Nadlersmith, 20, have spent their lives preparing for major competitions.

Putting their years of hard work and training to the test, the duo competed together at the Canada Winter Games last month as members of Team Manitoba.

Running from Feb. 15 to March 3 in Red Deer, Alta., the Games featured 19 sports, more than 150 events and around 3,600 athletes, managers and coaches representing the next generation of national, international and Olympic champions.

“I’ve been skiing basically since I could walk,” said Imogen, who began skiing competitively when she was seven.

Living on a small acreage 10 minutes outside Boissevain, she has 88 acres she uses to run at home and trails that at times she skis when her dad grooms them.

Her brother has been living in Thunder Bay, Ont., for the past three years, but was still able to compete alongside her as both are members of the Winnipeg-based cross-country club Downtown Nordic.

A family obsessed with cross-country skiing, the Nadlersmiths can often be found out on the trails. Their grandfather still races in events as well, Imogen said.

The passion of their mother, Pauline Nadlersmith, for the sport has played a major role in inspiring the siblings to race and instilled a love of the sport in them.

At opposite ends of the racing spectrum — Imogen just starting out on the racing circuit and Levi a seasoned veteran — the Games were a welcome coming together for the siblings.

“He knows a lot, so it’s nice to learn from him,” Imogen said.

It was a great experience having the opportunity to compete alongside his sister in the Canada Games, Levi said.

Levi attended the 2015 Canada Winter Games in Prince George, B.C.

“For her, this is kind of a new experience and she was learning lots. And for me, it’s kind of more routine,” Levi said. “It was super cool having my sister there.”

Competing in the Canada Games is the most high-profile race Imogen has had the opportunity to compete in.

Skiing a race track located on a golf course, the cross-country skiers were able to glide through a deep river valley on pristine runs, Imogen said.

With chilly weather that fell below -20 C during the games, at times races were delayed until the temperature was able to warm up a little.

At the Canada Winter Games, Imogen participated in the 7.5-kilometre skate technique race, where she placed 27th, a 1.25km followed by a 1.25km quarter-final, a 10-kilometre classic technique mass start and a 4×5 mixed relay race.

Imogen especially enjoyed the relay, as it offered the chance to race with her brother.

“It was really good,” Imogen said.

Putting their year-round training to work, the relay was the culmination of years of hard work and training.

The siblings train year-round for cross-country skiing events, using a mix of running, canoeing, strength training and roller-skiing in the offseason. During racing season, they use a combination of skiing, running, and strength to prepare for events.

Training for the Canada Winter Games was no different, although an emphasis is placed on rest and recovery to ensure they are 100 per cent ready and healthy for major race days.

Marking one of many events Imogen has competed in, she also raced at Sovereign Lake near Silver Star, B.C., Thunder Bay, Collingwood, Ont., and Kenora, Ont., this season.

She will be competing this week at nationals at Nakkertok in Gatineau, Que., alongside 900 other athletes from across Canada and the United States.

Addicted to the exhilarating experience of racing, Imogen is driven to compete. Not even a bad race can slow her down.

“I guess I like to suffer,” Imogen said.

Because of her young age, she hopes to have another opportunity to compete in the Games in the future.

Always working to improve her technique and be the best skier possible, Imogen remains committed to conquering the trails.

“She’s really strong, she’s going to be a strong skier in the next few years,” Levi said.

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