Amazing achievement

Kyle Power made quite an appearance at Nipissing University OUA (Ontario University Athletics) and North Bay Nordic Races in cross-country skiing last week.

He took 10th place with time of 46:45.3 in the 15-kilometre men's free skate held Jan. 16 in North Bay, ON.

The following day he took 4th place with time of 32:19.7 in the 10-kilometere men's classic at Nipissing University campus. He missed the podium by merely three seconds.

"Overall I felt like I had a solid showing," said Power.

He raced in North Bay before, so he said he knew to expect a challenging course.

The second race took place at a location new to Power. He described it as an interestingly twisting and turning narrow trail with some small climbs and because it was so technically tough, he said no one thought he could place in the top five.

"I simply just had a good day," Power said about the race. "Cross-country ski racing is touch and go with such a competitive field these days, you have to be at your best each day to do well.

This race was important just because it indicated good things for the rest of the season and let me know my training is on track and has been successful."

Power said he's training now for the Eastern Canadian Championships being held in Cantley, Quebec. Then, he said, he might head down to Vermont for a race weekend, after which he's set to appear as the Olympic forerunner in Whistler. He said he will also come back to Ottawa to train for Nationals held in Whitehorse, Yukon.

Power said school is tough at Carleton University during the winter semester because of traveling and racing.

"Right now I am managing it but civil engineering is no easy degree to try and obtain while competing as an ski racer throughout Canada."