Nishikawa, Killick cap cross-country season with gold at Ski Nationals
CANMORE, Alta. — Emily Nishikawa and Graeme Killick won the cross-country ski marathon at the Ski Nationals as the 2017 season came to a close on Saturday.
The Olympic veterans proved they were the top women’s and men’s cross-country skiers in the field after grinding through the challenging 30- and 50-kilometre skate-ski races.
Nishikawa captured her third gold medal of the week for the second straight year after winning the women’s long distance race. The 2014 Olympian served notice she’ll be the top Canadian on the women’s squad heading into next season after leading the country in four loops around the 7.5-kilometre track. Nishikawa clocked-in at one hour 21 minutes 50.2 seconds.
“I had three good races this week. It was a tough end to the season, but nice to finish on a positive note here. It is incredible to win all three,” said Nishikawa, who has had a heavy race load over the last two weeks after coming off the World Cup Finals.