Renner, Scott honoured at Nordic Centre

The Canmore Nordic Centre honoured two legends of Canadian cross-country skiing Monday, March 13, by naming trails after retired Olympic medalists Sara Renner and Beckie Scott.

“This is a great honour and priviledge to have a trail named after myself. The experience of racing world cups here could not have been more magical. When we started, we didn’t think it was possible, but now it’s come full circle,” Scott said. “I just hope I don’t have to ski up it too often.”

“I think it’s fitting Beckie got the uphill and I got the downhill,” Renner joked. “The Canmore Nordic Centre (CNC) made me who I am. I remember when I started training here. It’s nice that it’s come full circle.”

Renner’s Revenge and Beckie’s Hill were the site of memorable moments in Canmore Nordic Centre ski history as both won world cup hardware there.

Michael Roycroft, general manager of the Canmore Nordic Centre, said renaming the trails is a great way to honour Scott and Renner’s contribution to the sport.

Renner’s Revenge recognizes the hill where Renner made the move to clinch bronze in her last world cup in 2006, and Beckie’s Hill immortalizes the gruelling climb where Scott won her 2005 gold medal in the 15 kilometre classic, defeating rival Julija Tchepalova.

“Skiers will be able to relive moments in ski history with every stride at the Canmore Nordic Centre,” Roycroft said.

Renner (whose husband Thomas Grandi has a run named after him at Norquay) hopes the community ski legacy will help inspire others to pursue their goals.

“If you follow paths that we started in small communities in Alberta, it shows we became great skiers because we worked hard. We’re proof it is possible… Beckie and I are an example of that and hopefully an inspiration to others,” Renner said.

“It’s a lifetime sport. Our kids ski here too. I want to see them do it for the rest of their lives. It’s part of our makeup now,” Scott said.

Canmore mayor Ron Casey thanked Scott and Renner for inspiring young people and contributing to the community through their efforts on and off the ski track.

Renner is heavily involved with the David Suzuki Foundation and the climate change group 350.org, while Scott works with Right to Play, which gives disadvantaged children a chance to play sport. She also works with the International Olympic Committee.

The CNC plans to honour more skiers as time goes by. Roycroft would like to see trail dedications become an annual event. Many Scandinavian countries name streets and landmarks after their skiers, and Roycroft believes that contributes to Nordic culture.

Scott and Renner were also give lifetime passes to the Canmore Nordic Centre.