One of Caledonia Nordic's Best Still Racing

By Kelly Sharp

  Jacqui Benson of Prince George at OtwayNordic Ski Centre

Ask Jacqui Benson about her very first cross country ski race and she will smile. Of course, smiling is not very far away when talking with the personable Prince George student athlete. Her rise through the various age group levels of competitive cross country skiing came with a determination that translated into countless podium finishes. A Canadian champ in juvenile girls, the Caledonia Ski Club member raced for BC at four Canadian Junior ski championships where she won a total of 13 medals, including 4 gold. The National junior team member skied to a bronze medal at the 2003 senior women Canadian championship.

Fast forward to a cold snowy morning in Prince George, 24 year-old Jacqui Benson is in training for the upcoming Winter World University Games in Italy.  She still has the competitive fire, but priorities have changed for the queen of the Caldeonia Nordic Ski Club. Thoughts of future Olympic aspirations have faded for the pursuit of a university degree. Juggling a heavy business course load at UNBC with training at the Otway Nordic Ski Centre is a challenge.

“At times it’s been hard, but I love it,” Benson said, one of three BC women on the Canadian University cross country ski team.

Jacqui will compete in four and possibly five events at the Winter World University Games, beginning next week.

“I really have no expectations”, she said.

Support from UNBC and long-time corporate sponsors have eased the financial burden of competitive skiing.

“UNBC has been great in getting me to Italy," said Benson, my long-time corporate supporters have helped so much.”

Talking with Jacqui Benson you would never know she is Prince George’s most successful female cross country skier.  And who knows how long she will be racing the trails.

“I just can’t let it go,” laughed Jacqui.

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