Satisfied by the end of her career, cross-country skier Cendrine Browne obtained a completely unexpected honor on Tuesday which adds a jewel to her journey strewn with pitfalls.
Browne received the John Semmelink Award given by the Canadian Winter Sports Association to the athlete who has best represented the country on the international stage through integrity, behavior and results. Browne finds among others in this select group Alex (2019) and Pierre Harvey (1985, 1987 and 1988); Mikaël Kingsbury (2020), Jean-Luc Brassard (1993, 1994 and 1996); Nicolas Fontaine (1997 and 1999) and Philippe La Roche (1991).
“This is great news and the biggest reward of my career, summarizes the double Olympian of the 2018 Games in Pyeongchang and 2022 in Beijing. This award honors my performance, but also my leadership. I have been very involved in the Féminaction program and with the youngest skiers on the Canadian team over the past year before retiring. This prize rewards my performance, but also the person that I am.
"I knew about the award from watching Alex win it in 2019, but I never thought I'd win it," Browne continued. It is quite an honor to be in the same group as the great athletes who have already won it. »
praise
A recipient of the John Semmelink Award in 1980, former alpine skier Ken Read had high praise for the 28-year-old cross-country skier. "Cendrine has shown us her perseverance and dedication on the court, but we are equally impressed by her desire to lead by example while supporting her teammates," said Canadian Athletics Association Awards Committee Chair. winter in the body's press release. Most importantly, Cendrine understands the responsibility of being an Olympic and National Team athlete to be a great role model for young women. We couldn't imagine a better recipient. She totally deserves this award. »
Browne was touched by the former alpine ski star's comments. "I still get chills from it," she said. It's very flattering. »
" The circle is complete "
At the Alex Harvey Classic on April 3 when she confirmed she was retiring, Browne told us she was leaving with her head held high.
“I could leave with my head held high with my 16th place finish in Beijing in the 30km freestyle. I then won the Canadian title in the first joint men's and women's event. It was even better and now I get this award. It closes the circle of my career very well. »
His 16th place finish in Beijing is the best Canadian performance ever in the 30km freestyle event.
This last honor is also an opportunity to put an end to the turbulent past with Nordiq Canada, which withdrew his Sports Canada card, and to turn the page on those difficult years. Nordiq Canada shared the statement from the Canadian Winter Sports Association.
“It shows that they have moved on just like me and are ready to reconnect. It takes a very long time to change a culture and they put in the effort and you can see the changes. »
John Semmelink is a former skier who lost his life during the descent from Garmisch-Partenkirchen in Germany on February 7, 1959 at the age of 20. After this accident, wearing a helmet became mandatory downhill. Born in Shanghai and of Dutch descent, Semmelink moved to Canada in 1950 and obtained his citizenship seven years later. A student at McGill University, he wore the colors of the Redbirds alpine ski club.
The prize was first awarded in 1962 to alpine skier Anne Heggtveit-Hamilton.
