‍Q: How long have you been competing in cross‑country skiing?

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Nick: I started skiing at nine and began competing around age 11 or12, which is a bit later than most.
Violet: I’ve been competing for about seven years, since I was quite young.
Luke: I joined a cross‑country ski club around age five or six and began competing more seriously at about 10 or 11.
Izabelle: I started skiing at six. I took a break during COVID, but I became more involved again last year when I joined the junior race team, oneof the higher levels at our club.

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Q: What is your favorite part of cross‑country skiing?

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Nick: I enjoy skate skiing, especially climbing hills. It's challenging but fun.
Violet: I love being outdoors, spending time with friends, and racing against other clubs.
Luke: I appreciate how much you can improve with hard work. There’s always something new to learn, and you can become very fast.
Izabelle: The community is my favorite part. I’m close with my teammates, and I often help the younger skiers. I spend more time with my ski friends than my school friends.

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Q: You competed in the Canada Winter Games. Can you tell me about that experience?

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Nick: I haven’t competed there yet, but I hope to.
Violet: I haven’t been, though I’ve attended qualifying events.
Luke: I haven’t been to the Canada Winter Games yet. I competed in the Summer Games last year and hope to qualify for the Winter Games or Nationals.
Izabelle: I haven’t attended the Canada Winter Games.

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Q: How was your experience at the Manitoba Winter Games?

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Nick: It’s been great—especially the food.
Violet: I’ve really enjoyed being here, watching other sports, and experiencing the event as a whole.
Luke: The trails were excellent, and I liked how close all the sports venues were.
Izabelle: It’s the biggest race I’ve done, and the course is fantastic. I’ve also enjoyed meeting people outside the competition.

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Q: Outside of competition, what was a highlight for you at the Manitoba Winter Games?
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Nick: The 7.5 km classic race was a highlight, and I’m looking forward to the skate race tomorrow.
Violet: I enjoyed watching figure skating with friends, spending time with other skiers, and putting glitter on before our races.
Luke: Sharing a room with friends and the great food were highlights.
Izabelle: I liked the award ceremonies and seeing others receive medals. I won one yesterday, which was exciting.

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Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add?
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Nick: Everyone here has been very friendly and has great stories to share.
Violet: It’s been a very fun experience overall.