May 17, 2010 – The votes are in and Canada’s Devon Kershaw and the USA’s Kikkan Randall topped the field as the best overall male and female xc skiers for this past Olympic season. Kershaw also won the Paul Robbins Best Breakthrough or Exceptional Nordic Performance award for his stellar 5th place finish in the men’s 50km classic at Vancouver 2010. Randall, who had another great season, was voted the top female sprinter as well.

As mentioned there were some very close races and the Junior men’s and women’s categories both ended in a tie. Zach Holland and Etienne Richard share the Junior Men’s Best Overall award while Dahria Beatty and Heidi Widmer were tied for the Best Overall Junior Woman.

We thank everyone for participating in these reader’s choice awards and congratulate all winners and nominated athletes on a job well done. North American skiing is pulling its weight both at home and abroad as the hard work is paying off. We apologize for any contenders missed in our selections and will announce the winners of the award prizes shortly as we wish everyone the very best during the off season.

SkiTrax 2009-2010 North American (NA) Nordic Ski Award Winners

Best Overall Elite Male Skier
Devon Kershaw

Best Overall Elite Female Skier
Kikkan Randall

Best Overall U23 Male Skier
Simi Hamilton

Best Overall U23 Female Skier
Brittany Webster

Best Overall Junior Male Skier
Zach Holland
Etienne Richard

Best Overall Junior Female Skier
Dahria Beatty
Heidi Widmer

Best Sprinter Male
Andy Newell

Best Sprinter Female
Kikkan Randall

Best Distance Skier Male
Ivan Babikov

Best Distance Skier Female
Sara Renner

Best Overall Collegiate Male Skier
Collin Abbott

Best Overall Collegiate Female Skier
Alana Thomas

Paul Robbins Best Breakthrough or Exceptional Nordic Performance(s) (Male or Female)
Devon Kershaw

Best Overall Male Biathlete
Tim Burke

Best Overall Female Biathlete
Zina Kocher

Best Overall Nordic Combined Male
Bill Demong

Best Overall Male Ski Jumper
Stefan Read

Best Overall Female Ski Jumper
Jessica Jerome

Best Overall Paranordic Male
Brian McKeever and Guide Robin McKeever (visually impaired)

Best Overall Paranordic Female
Colette Bourgonje (sit ski)