Saanich’s Amelia Wells benefitted from the hard work of parents, club members and dedicated nordic skiers who shovelled snow onto trails at the B.C. Midget Championships (for nine to 12-year-olds) last week.
Wells, 12, survived the series of heats to win gold in the demanding 300-metre skate competition.
The Central middle school student nearly won bronze in the 2 kilometre classic, finishing less than a second behind the third place finisher.
Mount Washington’s cross country and downhill ski areas closed for the season in the week following Wells’ medal win.
Wells competed against other 2002-born girls and qualified to compete in the B.C.
The results qualified her for this weekend’s B.C. Cross Country Championships (for all age groups) at Crystal Mountain near Kelowna, Feb. 20-22.
Wells will face a deeper field of talent this weekend as some of the province’s elite 2002 athletes were not at the Mt. Washington meet.
To make Mt. Washington happen, a group of dedicated skiers and parents shovelled relentlessly, transporting snow on toboggans to to fill barren spots along the trails.
It was the second time Wells has won gold in the 300m skate at the B.C. Midget Championships.
reporter@saanichnews.com