By Anil Jhalli
It was an exhausting 10 days for siblings Claire and Pierre Grall-Johnson at the Haywood Cross-Country Ski Nationals, but after travel to Whitehorse and four gruelling races between Mar. 19-26, they stood out as Ottawa’s lone podium finishers in their divisions’ aggregate standings.
“I was really happy,” says 16-year-old Pierre, the younger of the two and silver medallist in the junior boys’ 1999-born category. “To be able to get to the podium and perform when I was really tired, I was happy to get to where I was.”
Eighteen-year-old Claire, meanwhile, earned the overall bronze medal in the junior girls’ 1997 division.
“I just wanted to go out there super hard,” recounts the part-time University of Ottawa biomedical science student. “I definitely wanted to be on the podium when it was over. That was the goal.”
Preparing to race – whether that’s getting in training runs, or adjusting their skis and wax according to conditions – only adds to the physical challenge of completing four races in a week, including the final long-distance event.
“It gets pretty crazy,” Claire highlights. “Sometimes, you are totally exhausted. But, you stay focused and sleep as much as possible.”
The grind of multi-day races is nothing new for the seasoned siblings, whose parents are also skiers and volunteers for their Nakkertok Nordic Ski Club.
The Grall-Johnsons led the Cantley-based club made up largely of members from Ottawa to its 7th consecutive crown in the national club standings.
“It is a total team effort,” underlines Pierre, who won the intermediate free race. “It helps we are all friends and we motivate each other and push each other to do well.”
Ali Pouw, a schoolmate of Pierre’s at Glebe Collegiate Institute and fellow OFSAA team champion, was another victor for Nakkertok, winning the junior girls’ 1998 intermediate free race en route to a 4th-place showing in the aggregate, while the Carleton Ravens men were 3rd and the Ravens women 2nd in the national university competition.
The Grall-Johnsons have been somewhat accustomed to the tiring and demanding life of a competitive cross-country skier, but they say it is hard to make any long-term commitments to racing. The training and the length of the season takes a toll on the body, Pierre notes.
“I am going to ski at least for one more year, then, I’m going to leave all my options open,” indicates the Grade 11 student.
Claire echoes her brother’s sentiment, although she says she remains as passionate as ever about cross-country skiing.
“Sometimes it can be mentally tough to stay focused,” Claire adds. “I have some decisions to make – some tough ones coming up.”