
Athletes & Coaches
Many talented Canadian and international athletes and alumni have been members of the Whistler Nordic Development Centre since its inception in 2016/17. Meet our current WNDC team, with the full-time Podium & Performance athletes and the Summer & Next Gen group, as well as our coaches, and browse through our alumni!
WNDC Podium & Performance Biathlon Team 2022/23

Colin Acker
pERFORMANCE pROGRAM
Bio to Follow!
Colin will join the WNDC in summer 2022.

Sean Benson
Performance Program
Born January 7, 2003 in Vancouver, BC
Sean started biathlon in 2013/14 with the Sea to Sky Nordics. He enjoys the thrill during races when he pushes himself to work as hard as possible, and loves just getting out on the trails on his skis. In 2019, he placed fifth in the National Championships’ individual race. During his time with WNDC, he hopes to focus on his technique and improve his efficiency. When he is not training for biathlon, his favorite pastime is mountain biking, be it downhill, enduro or cross country. Apart from his biathlon achievements, Sean is most proud of his anti-bullying work at his high school, leading Pink Shirt Day activities and supporting initiatives to spread awareness of bullying. On his bucket list are traveling to Botswana and Namibia for a safari, spending a year in France and learning Spanish.
Sean has been part of the WNDC since spring 2021.

Ryan Elden
pODIUM pROGRAM
Born November 8, 1999 in Quesnel, BC
Ryan has been involved in biathlon since 2009. In his sporting career, he already had the opportunity to represent Canada at multiple IBU junior competitions and the IBU Youth/Junior World Championships. His season highlights from 2018/19 were a gold medal in the 2019 Canada Winter Games pursuit race and a bronze medal at the Canadian National Championships 2019. He is passionate about biathlon because he finds it both challenging and rewarding, and he loves the community and how the sport helped him grow as a person. While his athletic ambition is to represent Canada at the 2022 Olympic Games, his recreational bucket list includes sky diving, contributing to nature conservation by cleaning a beach and traveling to at least 15 different countries.
Ryan has been part of the WNDC since summer 2017.

Dan Gilfillan
pERFORMANCE pROGRAM
Bio to Follow!
Dan will join the WNDC in summer 2022.

Ciara Mitchell
International Visiting athlete
Bio to Follow!
Ciara will join the WNDC in summer 2022.

Lucas Smith
pODIUM pROGRAM
Born March 15, 2000 in Rotterdam, Netherlands
Lucas started off with biathlon as a ten year-old in Winnipeg. The sport fascinates him because of the many facets that can contribute to winning or losing a race, and that every athlete has the potential to do well if he or she puts it all together. His most recent achievements were being part of the 2019 Youth World Championships Team, and winning a gold medal in the pursuit and a silver in the sprint races at the Canadian National Championships 2019. His athletic goal is to make it onto the national team and to compete on World Cup level, as well as racing at the Olympic Games. Both on and off snow, the passionate photographer takes his camera everywhere to document his adventures, and he dreams of having one of his photos featured by National Geographic.
Lucas has been part of the WNDC since summer 2018.

Meaghan Smith
pERFORMANCE pROGRAM
Born April 2, 2002 in Winnipeg, MB
Meaghan used to be a cross-country skier, and moved to biathlon in 2013. She loves the complexity of her new sport, and major results were her title win of Manitoba Provincial Champion in the sprint race, a tenth place in the National Championships’ individual race, a fifth place at the Western Canadian Championships, and she was awarded a “Women to Watch” grant from Coaching Manitoba and Sport Manitoba. Her athletic goal is to race internationally. Outside of sport, she loves to listen to and create music, and some of her goals are to complete a six week canoe trip (she has already mastered a 4-week trip), backpack the world and open her own restaurant.
Meaghan has been part of the WNDC during the summer program in 2019, and full-time since summer 2020.

Alfie Sprake
International Visiting athlete
Bio to Follow!
Alfie will join the WNDC in summer 2022.

Hanne Stadnyk
pERFORMANCE pROGRAM
Born March 29, 1998 in Saskatoon, SK
Hanne got introduced to biathlon through the Air Cadets program, and one year later at the age of 13, she decided to join the sport. She loves the community around biathlon, the fact that everyone is supportive of each other, and the equally fierce but friendly competition. Her athletic goals are constantly changing and evolving, from small fitness improvements to huge Olympic dreams. She represented Saskatchewan at the 2015 and 2019 Canada Winter Games, placed third in the World Youth Trials in 2018 and represented Canada at IBU junior races in Germany and Austria. Her biggest strength is finding the positive side of any situation, and she always tries to keep her teammates in good spirits. The book lover dreams of traveling all over Italy one day.
Hanne has been part of the WNDC since summer 2019.
Summer & Next Gen Biathlon Program 2022/23
Graham Benson
Next Gen Program
Bio to Follow!
Graham joins the WNDC Next Gen Program from summer 2022 to spring 2023.
Lucas Clements
Next Gen Program
Bio to follow!
Lucas joins the WNDC Next Gen Program from summer 2022 to spring 2023.
Josie Clifford
Next Gen Program
Bio to follow!
Josie joins the WNDC Next Gen Program from summer 2022 to spring 2023.
Sophie Firth
Next Gen Program
Born August 24, 2005 in Vancouver, BC
Sophie got involved in biathlon only three years ago, in 2018 with the Sea to Sky Nordics, and loves the outdoor sport and the people she gets to train and progress with. Since 2018 she has raced to many top results, with her highlight being the 2020 BC Winter Games (silver in Mixed Relay, fourth in Individual, fifth in Sprint, fifth in Girls Team Relay). The determined athlete’s goal for the near future is to podium at the Nationals. Aside from skinny skis, downhill skiing is her biggest passion. She loves to bring her camera along with her and hopes to travel the world, to learn to speak Norwegian, and to watch a biathlon World Cup event in Europe.
Sophie was part of the WNDC Next Gen Program for 2021-22 and joins again for 2022-23.
Jasper Fleming
Next Gen Program
Born July 5, 2005 in Edmonton, AB
Jasper has been cross country and downhill skiing since he was a child, and got involved in biathlon at the age of nine in Edmonton. He is now a Sea to Sky Nordics member. He was the youngest athlete to compete at the Nationals in 2018, raced to a bronze at the Canmore NorAms in 2019 and came in first in his age group’s sprint race in the Western Canadian Championships 2020. In his training, he wants to make every day count, and put in whatever it takes and more. His athletic goal is to represent Canada in the Olympic Games. If he is not on skis, he loves mountain biking, guitar, photography, art and seeking adventure with his friends.
Jasper was part of the WNDC Next Gen Program for 2021-22 and joins again for 2022-23.
Alexander Hatloe
Next Gen Program
Born July 15, 2004 in Sechelt, BC
Sea to Sky Nordics athlete Alexander has been involved in biathlon since summer 2017 when he tried it for the first time at Whistler Olympic Park. He has been very successful in recent trial races, for example the winter 2021 national team test where he came in seventh overall and third in his age category nationally. He loves the constant challenge and reward cycle in the sport of biathlon. Alexander is proud of the progress he has made as an athlete, and hopes that the time with the WNDC will help him achieve his athletic goal of racing to the podium in national competitions. Three things on the music and book lover’s bucket list are to experience Japan, to go skydiving and to go exploring.
Alexander was part of the WNDC Next Gen Program for 2021-22 and joins again for 2022-23.
Sofie Hill
Summer Program
Born November 13, 2004 in Vancouver, BC
Sofie tried biathlon for the first time when she was nine. Her most recent major race results with the Sea to Sky Nordics are a silver and bronze at the 2018 BC Winter Games, a gold at the 2020 BC Championships and a first place at the 2020 BC Cup in Burns Lake. She is most proud of qualifying for the U20 National Team for the 2020/21 season. She enjoys that biathlon allows her to be outside in nature, and she loves that anyone at the start line has the chance to win. The determined athletes’ goal is to place in the top three at National Championships and to eventually race in Europe in a Youth/Junior World Cup. Apart from biathlon, she loves downhill skiing and traveling. Three things on her bucket list are going to the Arctic, skydiving and hiking in the alps.
Sofie was part of the WNDC Next Gen Program from summer 2021 to spring 2022 and joins the Summer Program 2022.
WNDC Coaches

Etienne Letondeur
Head Coach
Etienne has been involved in Nordic sports his whole life. Growing up in one of France’s #1 biathlon areas, in a family involved in the sports and with Nordic trails going through his backyard, he stood on skis the first time when he was 17 months old. Since then he has been connected to the sports competitively both as athlete and coach, on the business side as sales and race service representative for ski brands, and as a technical advisor, volunteer and association member to foster sport development.
Etienne Letondeur has been WNDC Head Coach since 2016.

Marion Bottesi
Assistant Coach
Born in Villard de lans France, Marion Bottesi has been involved in cross country skiing and biathlon since she was a child. She started cross country skiing at the age of eight. Always intrigued by the sport of biathlon, Marion soon started practicing shooting indoors with air guns, until she was legally allowed to shoot 22 calibre biathlon rifles at the age of 14. After racing on the provincial team for a while, she then transitioned to her real passion, coaching. Now she loves to help others on their journey to achieve their athletic goals.
Marion Bottesi has been WNDC Assistant Coach since 2019.
Browse our Alumni!
Since its first season in 2016/2017, the WNDC has been growing constantly, and has attracted athletes from all over the country to train at Whistler Olympic Park.
WNDC Team 2021/22
Sean Benson
Performance Program / BIATHLON
Sean has been part of the WNDC since spring 2021.
Zachary Connelly
Podium Program / Biathlon
Zach was part of the WNDC from summer 2019 to spring 2022.
Ryan Elden
Podium Program / Biathlon
Ryan has been part of the WNDC since summer 2017.
Kira Friesen
Performance Program / Biathlon
Kira was part of the WNDC during the summer program in 2021, and full-time from fall 2021 to spring 2022.
Janice Grundahl
Performance Program / Biathlon
Janice was part of the WNDC from summer 2019 to spring 2022.
Logan Pletz
Podium Program / Biathlon
Logan was part of the WNDC from summer 2019 to spring 2022.
Trevor Schick
Performance Program / Biathlon
Trevor was part of the WNDC from spring 2021 to spring 2022.
Andrei Secu
Podium Program / Biathlon
Andrei was part of the WNDC from summer 2017 to spring 2022.
Lucas Smith
Podium Program / Biathlon
Lucas has been part of the WNDC since summer 2018.
Meaghan Smith
Performance Program / Biathlon
Meaghan has been part of the WNDC during the summer program in 2019 and full-time since summer 2020.
Hanne Stadnyk
Performance Program / Biathlon
Hanne has been part of the WNDC since summer 2019.
Larissa Black
Summer Program / Biathlon
Larissa was part of the WNDC full-time team from summer 2017 to spring 2020, and for the Summer Program 2021.
Sophie Firth
Next Gen Program / Biathlon
Sophie was part of the WNDC Next Gen Program for 2021-22 and joins again for 2022-23.
Jasper Fleming
Next Gen Program / Biathlon
Jasper was part of the WNDC Next Gen Program for 2021-22 and joins again for 2022-23.
Alexander Hatloe
Next Gen Program / Biathlon
Alexander was part of the WNDC Next Gen Program for 2021-22 and joins again for 2022-23.
Sofie Hill
Next Gen Program / Biathlon
Sofie was part of the WNDC Next Gen Program 2021-22 and joins the Summer Program 2022.
Emma Malkoske
Summer Program / Biathlon
Emma was part of the WNDC Summer Program 2021.
WNDC Team 2020/21
Zachary Connelly
Biathlon
Zach was part of the WNDC from summer 2019 to spring 2022.
Ryan Elden
Biathlon
Ryan has been part of the WNDC since summer 2017.
Janice Grundahl
Biathlon
Janice was part of the WNDC from summer 2019 to spring 2022.
Logan Pletz
Biathlon
Logan was part of the WNDC from summer 2019 to spring 2022.
Andrei Secu
Biathlon
Andrei was part of the WNDC from summer 2017 to spring 2022.
Lucas Smith
Biathlon
Lucas has been part of the WNDC since summer 2018.
Meaghan Smith
Biathlon
Meaghan has been part of the WNDC during the summer program in 2019, and full-time since summer 2020.
Hanne Stadnyk
Biathlon
Hanne has been part of the WNDC since summer 2019.
Angus Tweedie
Biathlon
Angus was part of the WNDC from summer 2016 to spring 2021.
WNDC Team 2019/20
Larissa Black
Biathlon
Larissa was part of the WNDC from summer 2017 to spring 2020.
Sergey Bochkarnikov
Biathlon
Sergey was part of the WNDC from summer 2018 to spring 2020.
Zachary Connell
Biathlon
Zach was part of the WNDC from summer 2019 to spring 2022.
Brett Down
Biathlon
Brett was part of the WNDC from summer 2019 to spring 2020.
Ryan Elden
Biathlon
Ryan has been part of the WNDC from summer 2017 until today.
Gillian Gowling
Biathlon
Gillian was part of the WNDC from summer 2017 to spring 2020.
Janice Grundahl
Biathlon
Janice was part of the WNDC from summer 2019 to spring 2022.
Coralie Langel
Biathlon
Coralie was part of the WNDC from summer 2019 to spring 2020.
Keiran Marchand
Biathlon
Keiran was part of the WNDC from summer 2017 to fall 2020.
Logan Pletz
Biathlon
Logan was part of the WNDC from summer 2019 to spring 2022.
Lisa Savoie
Cross-Country
Lisa was part of the WNDC from summer 2019 to spring 2020.
Andrei Secu
Biathlon
Andrei was part of the WNDC from summer 2017 to spring 2022.
Lucas Smith
Biathlon
Lucas has been part of the WNDC from summer 2018 until today.
Hanne Stadnyk
Biathlon
Hanne has been part of the WNDC from summer 2019 until today.
Angus Tweedie
Biathlon
Angus was part of the WNDC from summer 2016 to spring 2021.
WNDC Team 2018/19
Larissa Black
Biathlon
Larissa was part of the WNDC from summer 2017 to spring 2020.
Sergey Bochkarnikov
Biathlon
Sergey was part of the WNDC from summer 2018 to spring 2020.
Ryan Elden
Biathlon
Ryan has been part of the WNDC from summer 2017 until today.
Gillian Gowling
Biathlon
Gillian was part of the WNDC from summer 2017 to spring 2020.
Keiran Marchand
Biathlon
Keiran was part of the WNDC from summer 2017 to fall 2020.
Zoë Pekos
Biathlon
Zoë was part of the WNDC from summer 2018 to spring 2019.
Andrei Secu
Biathlon
Andrei was part of the WNDC from summer 2017 to spring 2022.
Lucas Smith
Biathlon
Lucas has been part of the WNDC from summer 2018 until today.
Angus Tweedie
Biathlon
Angus was part of the WNDC from summer 2016 to spring 2021.
Natasia Varieur
Biathlon
Natasia was part of the WNDC from summer 2018 to spring 2019.
WNDC Team 2017/18
Jarod Algra
Biathlon
Jarod was part of the WNDC from summer 2016 to spring 2018.
Larissa Black
Biathlon
Larissa was part of the WNDC from summer 2017 to spring 2020.
Lucie Colin
Cross-country
Lucie was part of the WNDC from summer 2017 to spring 2018.
Ryan Elden
Biathlon
Ryan has been part of the WNDC from summer 2017 until today.
Gillian Gowling
Biathlon
Gillian was part of the WNDC from summer 2017 to spring 2020.
Kaede Kawano
Biathlon
Kaede was part of the WNDC from summer 2017 to spring 2018.
Keiran Marchand
Biathlon
Keiran was part of the WNDC from summer 2017 to fall 2020.
Benita Peiffer
Biathlon, Cross-Country
Benita was part of the WNDC from summer 2017 to spring 2018.
Andrei Secu
Biathlon
Andrei was part of the WNDC from summer 2017 to spring 2022.
Angus Tweedie
Biathlon
Angus was part of the WNDC from summer 2016 to spring 2021.
WNDC Team 2016/17
JAROD ALGRA
Biathlon
Jarod was part of the WNDC from summer 2016 to spring 2018.
BOBBY KREITZ
Biathlon
Bobby was part of the WNDC from summer 2016 to spring 2017.
COLTON MacDOUGALL
Biathlon
Colton was part of the WNDC from summer 2016 to spring 2017.
ANGUS TWEEDIE
Biathlon
Angus was part of the WNDC from summer 2016 to spring 2021.
Former WNDC Coaches
Jessica Blenkarn
Jessica started cross country skiing when she was 4 years old and went on to compete as a varsity athlete. She started coaching while racing for the University of Guelph and following a move to Squamish, BC, continued coaching skiing as well as biathlon, at Whistler Olympic Park and for the Sea to Sky Nordics Club. In 2017, Jessica coached for Biathlon Canada leading the teams at Open European Championships, IBU Cup 7 and the Junior IBU Tour. In 2018, she coached for Biathlon Canada at World Youth/Junior Championships as well as the Junior IBU Tour. Jessica became the Provincial Head Coach in 2018 for Biathlon BC and led Team BC during the 2019 Canada Winter Games.
Jessica was WNDC Assistant Coach from 2016 to 2019.
Martin Schrama
Nordic sports have always been part of Martin's life. His parents ran the local Nordic Ski Club in Fort McMurray/Alberta, so Martin started skiing as a small child with his family. He soon became a competitive athlete. In 2010, he became Junior National Champion. He was member of both the Alberta and British Columbia provincial teams, and in 2011/2012, he was even part of the Canadian Junior National Team. After moving to Whistler in 2011, He gained experience training in professional race teams during his time with the Callaghan Valley Training Centre from 2011-2014. Martin has coached Nordic skiers from grassroots level to development athletes.
Martin was WNDC Assistant Coach from 2016 to 2018.