Williams Lake cross-country skiers Nadia Wallin and Anika Wallin both topped podiums at the 2025 Nordiq Canada Ski Nationals in Canmore, Alta.
The nationals took place March 17-23 in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta and the sisters were both there, Nadia travelling from Williams Lake, Anika from Calgary where she is attending university.
Nadia placed second in Canada for her age. Some of her results included a second in a 10 km skate ski and third in a 15 km classic ski for U18 girls. She placed 13th in her sprint event and her B.C. team placed second in the U18 relay event. Nadia is competing against older athletes in U18, and her mom and coach Bev Rooke said Nadia skied really well, coming out ahead of some athletes who she had been behind during much of the season.
Older sister Anika Wallin was at the nationals as well, after having been at the World Juniors in Italy in February with the Alberta World Cup Academy team she trains with in Alberta.
Anika competed in the U20, with her top results being a sixth place in two events and fourth place in another. Anika is also in the younger end of the U20 division.
For aggregate points, Anika ranked third overall at the nationals in her more specific age group.
Nadia will now be heading to Sweden for two weeks for some fun races with Cross Country B.C. The organization offers about 10 young skiers each year a chance to go and race in some fun international events, with her sister having gone to the United States with the organization last year.
"It's actually pretty awesome the opportunities they get," said Rooke, noting the organization pays for some of the trip, but Nadia had been fundraising throughout the season to cover some of her costs.
