December 13, 2004 – Canada’s World Cup nordic combined athletes, Max Thompson and Jason Myslicki, both powered their way into the top-15 at a World Cup B event on Sunday in Steamboat Springs, USA.

Calgary’s Thompson, and, Myslicki of Thunder Bay, Ont., finished 11th and 15th respectively in the 63-man international field. Sunday’s success was Thompson’s best ever finish in a World Cup B event by more than 20 spots, while the top-15 result secured Myslicki a spot on Canada’s 2006 Olympic roster.

“It feels awesome because I wanted to meet the qualification standards during this first weekend to get it out of the way,” said the 27-year-old Myslicki, who will become the nation’s first nordic combined athlete at the Games since 1988. “I had a terrible jump today and sat in 27th, but grabbed some extra energy in the cross-country race and just started flying past people.”

Canada’s athletes need to post two top-20 results at a World Cup B, World Cup or World Championship event in order to qualify for the Games. Myslicki finished 12th in Saturday’s event. The Canadian Olympic Committee and Nordic Combined Ski Canada set out the qualification standard.

Max Thompson is poised to join Myslicki in Canadian colours when the 2006 Games kick off in Torino, Italy. Thompson, who has never finished better than 30th, or jumped better than 28th, at an international event, was in ninth spot after today’s leap of 103 metres. Thompson finished just 56 seconds behind the frontrunners.

“I am just ecstatic right now and feel like I am living in a dream world,” said the 20-year-old. “When I saw my jumping result today, I fell over in shock. This gives me so much confidence and tells me I can do it. I can compete for the podium. This is just such a great day for our entire program.”

Eric Camerota of the United States was first to cross the line on Sunday. Camerota was joined on the podium by Norway’s Kenneth Braaten, who finished second just five seconds off the pace, while Bill DeMong of the United States locked up the silver, crossing the line on Braaten’s heels just seven seconds back of the leading mark.

Four other Canadians, all from Calgary, also suited up in Colorado. Canadian results included: Spencer Harris (42); Wes Harris (51); Dennis Lynch (56); and Andy Osadetz (62).

Canada’s nordic combined athletes now head to Lake Placid, N.Y. for three successive races this week.