Marlie Molinaro and Ruby Serrouya from Revelstoke, British Columbia, have earned spots on Canada's team for the 2026 FIS Nordic Junior and U23 World Ski Championships in Lillehammer, Norway. The duo qualified through strong performances at trials in Canmore, Alberta, joining 19 other Canadian athletes for the event from March 3 to 8. Their selection highlights the success of the Revelstoke Nordic Ski Club in developing top talent.
Two athletes from Revelstoke, British Columbia, are set to represent Canada at the 2026 FIS Nordic Junior and U23 World Ski Championships in Lillehammer, Norway. Marlie Molinaro and Ruby Serrouya qualified alongside seven other British Columbia skiers and 19 others nationwide, following impressive results at the World Junior Trials in Canmore, Alberta, from January 29 to February 1, 2026.
Molinaro, competing in the U23 women's category, secured third place in the 3×3.3-kilometre and 4×5-kilometre races, as well as fourth overall in the senior women's sprint heats. She finished sixth in the 1.3-kilometre women's sprint qualification with a time of 3:11.84, advancing to fourth in the final round. Serrouya, in the junior women's category, took third overall in the 4×5-kilometre mass start, clocking 55:01.5, and third in the 1.3-kilometre sprint qualification at 3:08.32.
The Canadian contingent of 21 athletes will travel to Norway from February 20 to March 9, including a pre-camp in Sjusjøen to acclimate and prepare. Matt Smider, a former Revelstoke Nordic Ski Club coach and current Nordiq Canada national development coach co-leading the trip, praised the group's energy. "It’s a true and honest world championship," Smider said, noting the pre-camp's role in overcoming jet lag and familiarizing with the course. He added, "The group had a really great vibe about them. It seems like a really motivating event for our athletes."
Both skiers trained under Smider at the Revelstoke club, known for its dedicated volunteer coaches and focus on athlete development. Serrouya, 19 and a University of Denver team member, won first in junior sprints at the U.S. cross-country nationals in January 2026 and previously studied in Lillehammer, living just 500 metres from the ski tracks. Molinaro earned bronze in the 10-kilometre skate at the 2023 Canada Winter Games. Each will have four starts, including skate sprint, 20-kilometre skate, 10-kilometre classic, and mixed relay, with top-30 finishers advancing to quarterfinals.
Serrouya expressed excitement about the familiar setting and support from home. "My overarching goal is just to make the most out of this experience," she said, anticipating top-10 results for Canada. Norwegian Ski Federation president Tove Moe Dyrhaug welcomed participants, saying, "We are looking forward to a compact championship filled with fair play and exciting competition."
The event will be streamed online, allowing fans to follow the races.
