Jenn Jackson is keeping her options open.
The Midhurst, Ont. native, who skis for the National Development Centre-Thunder Bay team, on Thursday finished second in the senior women’s sprint race at the Haywood Noram World Junior/Under 23 trials at Lappe Nordic Ski Centre to claim a spot on Canada’s entry at the upcoming world championships in Romania.
Jackson said she’s not sure whether or not she’ll head overseas, saying it would cost several thousand dollars to travel to Europe.
“This is the first time I’ve qualified for a major event, so I’m looking forward to that opportunity,” Jackson said. “I haven’t decided where I’ll be heading this year, whether I’ll go to the under-23 championships or possibly World Cups later this year.
“At least my opportunities and options are open.”
Her decision could also hinge on what races are being held at each event.
She wants to play to her strengths.
All in all, she was happy with her finish, especially after a slow start.
“Qualification didn’t go as well as I had hoped. This course is definitely a course for the almost skiers. Through the beginning, it’s very forgiving. You can hang in and hold your position. Then there’s a lot of racing from the top of the hill to the finish, which is what I played on.”
Jackson crossed the line in 3:02.79, three seconds behind winner Andrea Dupont of Alberta. The 35-year-old Dupont was not eligible for the U23 team.
Second place wasn’t good enough for Thunder Bay’s Sadie White in the junior competition. White was bested by Quebec’s Marie Corriveau, after winning her way into the A final through three qualification rounds.
White will still have two more opportunities to automatically qualify on Saturday and Sunday, and despite the runner-up finish, was happy with her effort.
“I had a really good qualifier. The body was definitely there, so hopefully the next couple of days I can work to bring that feeling back,” White said.
“I gave it my all in the final, I just didn’t have that last kick at the end. I’m overall pretty happy with the day. Obviously I wanted to qualify, but coming second is the second-best thing.”
Consistent high finishes could also help White’s cause, as wild-card spots are up for grabs, in addition to the automatic berths for winning one of the three races on this week’s schedule.
Corriveau was ecstatic with the win.
“It was my principal goal this winter, so I’m really happy,” she said.
British Columbia’s Julien Locke took the senior men’s race and the under-23 spot at worlds. Big Thunder’s Angus Foster finished third, his NDC-Thunder Bay teammate Evan Palmer-Charrette crossing in fourth.
In the junior men’s sprint, Ontario’s Joey Foster stood tall atop the podium, also claiming a spot at worlds. Alberta’s Eric Byram was second.
Full results can be found here.
