A local skier enjoyed a memorable competitive season.
Lance McKenney, a 19-year-old Fort Fairfield native, had been training in Cody, Wyoming since last spring under Will Sweetser, who had coached him previously through the Maine Winter Sports Center.
Following the aggressive training schedule, McKenney enjoyed a podium finish at the nationals in January, earning one of just six berths on the United States Junior World Nordic Championship Team in the U20 age group. He participated in three events — a 15K skate, a 1.4K sprint and a 10K classic.
McKenney then had the good fortune of participating in the Junior Worlds in late January and early February as it was the first time the event was held in the United States in 30 years. At Soldier Hollow, Utah, McKenney went on to place 20th in the classic sprints.
“I had set a goal to finish in the top 20 and knew that was a challenging goal considering I was up against the best under 20-year-olds in the world,” McKenney said. “I’m very happy everything came together that day.”
McKenney was thankful for the way the season turned out and looks forward to more competitive skiing.
“I’m happy with my overall year and the experience I had while living out West,” he said, noting his next goal is to qualify for the U23 championship team next winter.
McKenney is a 2016 graduate of Fort Fairfield High School.
