Area Teen to Compete In Junior Olympics

Britta Schroeder, 16, of Ironwood, after her second place finish at the Junior Birkie on February 25.

IRONWOOD, MI - Thursday, March 3, 2011 - Team Gogebic Nordic Ski Club member Britta Schroeder will be heading to Minneapolis this weekend to represent the Great Lakes Division at the Junior Olympics. The 16 year-old Ironwood resident will be competing against the best Junior skiers from across the nation.

To qualify for the regional Olympic team, skiers must compete in qualifying races throughout the season, earning points from the best two races in both classical and skate skiing techniques. Schroeder's first qualifying race was in here in Ironwood at the Wolverine races in early December. "What a treat to start the season off right here in our home town." says Team Gogebic head coach Ken Hazel. "Through the efforts of the Wolverine Nordic Ski Club and a small group of volunteers, 350 of the best Junior racers in the Midwest come to Ironwood to compete every year." Britta then traveled to races in Minneapolis, Wausau, and Houghton to earn the points necessary to qualify for the team.

This is Britta's second year at the Junior Olympics. "It is amazing to have a local high school girl achieve this level of fitness," Hazel continues. "Cross-country skiing uses every major muscle in the body and Nordic skiers have been tested to be the most fit people on the planet. That's why qualifying for the Junior Olympics is no small feat. To get to this level of competition requires these young skiers to dedicate themselves to a year-round training program, in al kinds of weather."

Britta's training was interrupted last summer when she broke her foot playing ultimate frisbee. "The ability to overcome an injury defines an athlete," says Hazel. "Britta rose to the challenge by working through the healing process and jumping back into her training without being discouraged. This speaks to her character as well as her commitment to her goal of making the Junior Olympic team again."

Other highlights of Schroeder's season include finishing third in the sprints and fifth in the pursuit at the Michigan State Meet in Traverse City, and a second place finish at the Junior Birkie in Cable, Wisconsin last weekend.

This year's USSA Junior Olympics cross country ski competition will be held in Minneapolis from March 7th through the 12th.


Area Teen to Compete In Junior Olympics Britta Schroeder, 16, of Ironwood, after her second place finish at the Junior Birkie on February 25. IRONWOOD, MI - Thursday, March 3, 2011 - Team Gogebic Nordic Ski Club member Britta Schroeder will be heading to Minneapolis this weekend to represent the Great Lakes Division at the Junior Olympics. The 16 year-old Ironwood resident will be competing against the best Junior skiers from across the nation. To qualify for the regional Olympic team, skiers must compete in qualifying races throughout the season, earning points from the best two races in both classical and skate skiing techniques. Schroeder's first qualifying race was in here in Ironwood at the Wolverine races in early December. "What a treat to start the season off right here in our home town." says Team Gogebic head coach Ken Hazel. "Through the efforts of the Wolverine Nordic Ski Club and a small group of volunteers, 350 of the best Junior racers in the Midwest come to Ironwood to compete every year." Britta then traveled to races in Minneapolis, Wausau, and Houghton to earn the points necessary to qualify for the team. This is Britta's second year at the Junior Olympics. "It is amazing to have a local high school girl achieve this level of fitness," Hazel continues. "Cross-country skiing uses every major muscle in the body and Nordic skiers have been tested to be the most fit people on the planet. That's why qualifying for the Junior Olympics is no small feat. To get to this level of competition requires these young skiers to dedicate themselves to a year-round training program, in al kinds of weather." Britta's training was interrupted last summer when she broke her foot playing ultimate frisbee. "The ability to overcome an injury defines an athlete," says Hazel. "Britta rose to the challenge by working through the healing process and jumping back into her training without being discouraged. This speaks to her character as well as her commitment to her goal of making the Junior Olympic team again." Other highlights of Schroeder's season include finishing third in the sprints and fifth in the pursuit at the Michigan State Meet in Traverse City, and a second place finish at the Junior Birkie in Cable, Wisconsin last weekend. This year's USSA Junior Olympics cross country ski competition will be held in Minneapolis from March 7th through the 12th.