December 15, 2012 (Canmore, AB) – “A star is born,” quipped former US and Canadian coach Marty Hall when Canada’s Jessie Cockney landed just behind Sweden’s speed king Emil Joensson in the Men’s 1.3km FR Sprint Qualifications in Canmore, AB at the FIS Alberta World Cup. Cockney turned heads in 2011 at the U23 Nordic Worlds sprints in Oetapaa, Slovenia, when he scraped by in 30th in the qualifications, but then skied with speed and finesse to make the final where he claimed 6th.

The USA’s Andy Newell in 8th is also fired up for a big result in Canmore after making the final in Quebec City. His teammate Skyler Davis also made good today with redemption from Quebec placing 20th followed by Canada’s strong sprinter Phil Widmer in 24th. Len Valjas, still recovering from his hand injury, delivered a 28th place qualifying time also advancing to the quarter final heats.

Several top names did not make the cut including Canada’s Devon Kershaw and Alex Harvey, Norway’s Oeystein Pettersen and Eirik Brandsdal and QCity Team Sprint winner Nikolay Chebotko (KAZ). The USA’s Simi Hamilton was not on the start line today as he’s feeling a bit run down.

Qualifications HERE.