Former Paralympic and World medalist to lead race team program
The Telemark Nordic Ski Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Emily Young as Head Coach for the Telemark Nordic Competitive Program beginning August 1st.
During an extensive North American search, the club was thrilled to find the talent it needed in its own backyard; Emily is based in Kelowna. Besides an obvious enthusiasm for the sport, Emily brings to the role natural abilities in communication, collaboration, organization and the energy, skills and experience needed to develop and inspire the athletes. Her values align well with the Telemark values of Community, Inclusive, and Sport (for life).
“Telemark Nordic has long played an important role in my life as I skied and trained there during my competitive career. I can’t wait to get started and to join the incredible community of athletes and their families and to build on the highly successful program already in place. It might still be summer, but the most important training for our older athletes is happening now, and the snow is always just around the corner!” said Emily Young.
Before embarking on her coaching career, Emily was a highly accomplished member of the Para Nordic/Biathlon Senior National Ski Team, competing and achieving podium finishes at 2 Paralympic Games, 4 World Championships, and on the World Cup circuit over 9 years. Her experience as a competitive skier and biathlete will be an asset to the club’s integrated ski and biathlon program.
Prior to Nordic skiing, Emily competed internationally in wrestling until she sustained a career-changing nerve injury to her right arm. Emily has also competed in several Ironman distance triathlons (able body).
Since retiring from the Para Nordic National Team, Emily has followed a pathway to a career in coaching. She enrolled in the National Coaching Certification Program levels and has gained valuable experience working alongside National Team coaches at Nordiq Canada’s Western Canada Next Gen dryland camp in Revelstoke and Canada Development Team camp at Silver Star. Emily was also invited to be the U20 Team Leader at the 2023 World Junior Championships in Whistler, and she supported the National Para Nordic Team at the World Para Nordic Championships at Soldier Hollow, as support coach staff responsible for coordinating logistics, ski testing and racecourse duties.
Credit: Canadian Paralympic Committee