January 23, 2009 (Whistler, BC) – Four Canadians and one American are competing this weekend in Ski Jumping World Cup competition as part of the International Ski Federation’s (FIS) Nordic festival, taking place from January 23-25, 2009 at Whistler Olympic Park in the Callahan Valley. The Ski Jumping event features Vancouver 2010 Olympic medal hopefuls, representing a total of fourteen countries and approximately 54 athletes. Representing Canada in the event are: Mackenzie Boyd-Clowes (age 17, Calgary, AB), Eric Mitchell (age 16, Calgary, AB), Trevor Morrice (age 17, Calgary, AB) and veteran of the team, Stefan Read (age 21, Calgary, AB). Representing the United States is Anders Johnson age 19.

Today’s schedule featured official training and Large Hill Individual Results Qualification (HS 140). The top 40 ski jumpers following today’s qualification advance to Saturday’s official competition. Mackenzie Boyd-Close was the lone Canadian to advance with a jump of 115 metres putting him in 39th spot. Stefan Read, who competed for Canada at the 2002 Olympic Games in Torino, fell just out of qualification with a jump of 110 metres. “I’m disappointed with today’s jump,” stated Read, “I can jump better than that. I pushed too hard and that affected my distance.” Johnson of the US advanced in 34th with a jump of 119.5 metres.

The team is coached by Tadeusz (Ted) Bafia, who competed for Poland at the 1988 Olympic Games in Calgary. “I had hoped that at least 3 athletes would advance but unfortunately the stress of competing at the World Cup level affected the team’s performance today,” noted Bafia. “The team is young and they will learn from this experience. They are capable of jumping much further but being consistent under pressure is a challenge.”

Competition resumes Saturday at 9:30 a.m. with a trial round, followed by two Individual Large Hill Rounds. All four Canadians will compete again on Sunday at 9:00 a.m. in the Qualification round for the weekend’s second Individual Large Hill (HS140) Competition which starts at 10:30 a.m. Sunday.