Cross-country skiing is an age-old sport that isn’t offered at Cashmere High School, but sophomore Annika Peterson has found a way to compete at a high level. Annika has been skiing since she was about 2-3 years old, when she could walk. She would use tiny skis that strapped onto her boots and hit the slopes whenever she could.
Since Cashmere doesn’t offer skiing as a school sport, Annika has to take action into her own hands. She explains that, “ over the summer, we have roller skis and poles with special tips on them, and they stick in the asphalt.” Annika has been dedicated to her sport and will make anything work, even when opportunities are not provided at school.
Annika is on the Plain Valley Nordic team and practices twice a week. She says, “They come down to Wenatchee, and we go on the loop trail. Or we’re in the gym.” When meets come and Annika has to compete, there are various steps, but Annika is always prepared. She explains, ”We travel with the team over the weekend, and we arrive the day before to preview the course.” Skiers do this because some courses have tricky turns.
Annika has set big goals for herself and is determined to succeed. She qualified and placed 34th at nationals. She wants to attend junior nationals again this year and become an All-American. To see the skiing prodigy in action, support Annika at her next event: Plain Skiercross on February 22nd in Plain, Washington, at the Plain Valley Nordic team ski trails.
