GNS Middle Schoolers, Elliot and Finley Warder, Dominate in High-Level Cross-Country Skiing

Elliot ’30 and Finley Warder ’32 are both high-level cross-country skiers in the GNS Middle School who recently participated in the first of three BC cup races in Prince George, representing Strathcona Nordic Ski Club. The brothers podiumed both days in their cross-country ski races, having raced “smart and strong,” according to their mother. 

“We both got really good results,” shared younger brother, Finley. “I raced smartly and made up a lot of ground. Instead of going out really hard, I stuck at the front and on the second lap, I pulled ahead of the two leaders.” 

Their love for snow and skiing started when they were only 5 and 7 years old, respectively. 

“We have a cabin up in Mount Washington where we first started downhill skiing with our family. Pretty soon, our mom introduced us to cross-country skiing, which we really enjoyed. After one year, I decided to join the Strathcona Nordics, where I started cross-country skiing competitively,” said Elliot. 

There are two types of cross-country skiing: Classic and Skate. Defined by their techniques and equipment, Classic involves a running or shuffling motion within parallel tracks, while Skate resembles ice skating, where skiers have to use a sideways pushing motion on wide trails. 

“The skis are a lot thinner than downhill and the back of the heel isn’t connected to the skis, which makes it easier to move,” explained Finley. 

Both techniques demand physical strength and endurance, which both brothers prepare for by abiding by an intense training regimen.  “I try to balance my ski coach’s training with my commitment to the Triple Shots Cycling Club,” shared Elliot. “Every week, we have one day of strength and two days of biking. On weekends in the summer, during the out-season, we roller ski and run. In the winter, we train with the team at Mount Washington.”

“The hardest part of training is during the off-season because it sometimes makes you want to stop, but I always tell myself that when I finish training and start competing, I’ll see the improvement and feel rewarded,” continued Elliot. “This really encourages me in the beginning of each season because it’s always a test to see how well you’ve been training and how you match up with others.” 

Finley, who is also a BC provincial champ in cyclocross racing, agreed, adding that roller ski crashes on pavement are significantly more painful than in snow. 

Mental preparation is equally important as physical training. When asked how he feels before a competition, Elliot admits that he’s often stressed: “I want the work I’ve done to pay off, and I’m excited to see how I do, but there are always butterflies in my stomach.” 

For Finley, the stress depends on the level of competition. 

“I don’t get as stressed for races on Vancouver Island because I feel they don’t matter as much,” he said. “But for the provincial ones, I’m worried that if I don’t do well, I’ll get disappointed.” 

The next question is, how do you cope? For Elliot, it’s taking deep breaths and thinking about his training and warm-up prior to the competition. In the heat of the race, he says, it’s all about staying in the moment and focusing on the competition, which helps to chase away the butterflies. Finley’s method of calming down involves listening to music while driving to the venue. 

“Skiing at a high level has really helped me develop physically and mentally. I learned that if a race doesn’t go as planned, I have to be able to control my emotions, look ahead to what’s next and see what I can improve on,” reflected Elliot. “It’s also about finding what motivates me to keep training and working hard even when it’s challenging. I’m lucky, since I like the sport so much, I know that if I keep training, it will eventually pay off. Even if one season doesn’t go as planned, I know there is a breakout season. I just have to trust myself.” 

“For me, I know that what I do will pay off in the races, and just the thought of me doing well helps me keep going,” said Finley. 

Competing at such a high level is always a group effort that includes your coach, teammates and your family. 

“We wouldn’t be able to do it without the support of our parents, who our coach likes to say, are our lifetime sponsors,” said Elliot. “They buy all our gear, drive us to races and even help us train. Our mom does our runs while our dad trains with us on our bike rides and roller skis.” 

“Results also don’t matter to them, unlike parents from other ski clubs,” added Finley. “They’re happy with any results, and they’re very supportive of us.” 

On a final note, both brothers are eager to share the joy of cross-country skiing. 

“Since most people like downhill, they always think that cross-country skiing is bad even when they’ve never tried it,” shared Finley. “But it also goes fast and is very fun, and the view on Mount Washington is amazing.” 

“You have to give it a try. You don’t have to be competitive about it, just go out and enjoy skiing,” said Elliot. 

The next race is in Salmon Arm in early February. Elliot also qualified for the BC Winter Games, which will be held in Rossland in February. Congratulations and good luck to them both.