‘We are immensely proud’: Paralympic medallist impresses hometown fans in Prince Albert

Brittany Hudak’s success is making waves in her hometown of Prince Albert. Jasmine Pelletier reports.

Canadian Para-Nordic skier Brittany Hudak is an inspiration in her hometown of Prince Albert.

“It’s pretty incredible, the success that Brittany has had over the years,” said Prince Albert Nordic Skiing Club president Mike Horn.

“This is her fourth Paralympic Games. And, like, it’s just, to come from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, you know? And her story is pretty incredible.”

Earlier this week, Hudak won bronze in the women’s 10-kilometre interval start classic standing race, her first medal of the Milano Cortina Paralympics.

Local Nordic skiers say that Hudak’s success on an international stage helps draw attention to the sport.

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“I was actually skiing with my daughter, at Little Red River Park during the COVID years, and [Hudak] was home skiing,” Horn said.

“She stopped to talk on the trails and, you know, just very energetic and happy to talk about skiing and her, you know, how she’s been and how she’s been doing. And when you have a good ambassador for the sport, you know, it goes a long way.”

Prince Albert Mayor Bill Powalinsky says the city is proud of Hudak for how she represents the community.

“We are immensely proud that Brittany has carried our name forward. She has carried her legend and her legacy as a top-performing athlete. Once again, yeah. We are just so incredibly happy for her and her coaches and her fans and supporters.”

Hudak isn’t done her run quite yet, with events still to come on March 13 and 15. Powalinsky hopes residents will keep cheering all the way.

“Give her support, love and encouragement from Prince Albert,” the mayor said.

Hudak’s next event is the biathlon sprint pursuit.