Countdown to Sochi: 14 Canadian hopefuls
As part of our countdown to Sochi 2014, Olympic.ca is showcasing 14 Canadian medal contenders in 14 weeks. Each week we take a look at an Olympian with a chance of reaching the podium for Canada come February.
Starting off the list this week is….
Devon Kershaw
From Sudbury, Ontario, Devon Kershaw grew up dreaming of playing hockey for his beloved Montreal Canadiens. However, as Kershaw pursued a cross country skiing career, all Canadians – and not just fans of the Canadiens – can take pride in his success.
What makes him a medal contender?
Canada has won just three medals in cross country skiing at the Olympics, Kershaw and his teammates are out to bolster that number and change Canada’s fortunes in this Scandinavian-dominated sport.
Kershaw is a two-time Canadian Olympian (Turin 2006 & Vancouver 2010) and has enjoyed major international success since the last Winter Olympic Games.
The Senior World Cup Team member was second overall on the 2012 World Cup Circuit after finishing eighth a year earlier. A marked improvement for Kershaw in a season that also saw him take fourth overall in the 2012 Tour de Ski.
In Vancouver, Kershaw was fifth in the 50 km event and fourth in the team sprint with teammate Alex Harvey, proving he can elevate his performance at big events. Since Vancouver, Kershaw and Harvey won gold in the team sprint at the 2011 World Championships. There is unfinished business for the Canadian at Sochi after missing the podium at home.
Kershaw’s progress on the international stage suggests an Olympic medal is within his grasp.
More Kershaw
Twitter: @devonkershaw
Website: devonkershaw.com
