By Sarah Tone, Communications Coordinator
Steven Wintoniw has been coaching cross country ski for five years, his sport role model is cross country ski champion Vegard Ulvang, and in his free time, he loves to take on any adventure outside!
Leading up to the 2023 Canada Winter Games, we are featuring the dedicated coaches who spend countless hours giving back to sport. Let’s get to know Coach Steven Wintoniw!
What is your favourite coaching memory?
Winning a bronze medal in the sprint race at 2019 Canada Games in Red Deer, AB after getting two lucky loser spots!
What does a typical practice look like for your team?
Our team is made up of skiers from various clubs who are coached by their club coach over the year, so right now to prepare for the Canada Games, potential team members will be training for the 2022 Provincial Championships and National Championships. Spring and Fall training camps will be set up to make sure potential Canada Games athletes are preparing for trials in December 2022 when the team will be selected.
What do you look for in a Canada Games athlete?
We want someone who is fast on their skis! This takes balance, strength, and endurance. As well, athletes that bring experience from other competitions bring smart tactics to their races making them good team leaders.
What are the team goals for the 2023 Canada Games?
Once our team is selected, we can focus on goals – like bringing out personal bests of course and we are hopeful for a podium for Manitoba!
Any words of wisdom for Team Toba athletes?
Having fun makes hard work light!
