Laura Leclair

Biography

Laura Leclair competed at her first senior FIS World Championships in 2021. She teamed with Dahria Beatty, Cendrine Browne, and Katherine Stewart-Jones for a ninth-place finish in the 4x5km relay. That was Canada’s best result in the women’s cross-country relay at the world championships in 20 years. Leclair had competed at the U23 world championships in 2018 and 2020.

Leclair’s first taste of World Cup competition came on home snow in Quebec City in March 2017. She also participated in the World Cup Finals when they returned to Quebec City in March 2019. She competed in her first four overseas World Cups in January and February 2021 as part of her preparations for the world championships.

Leclair has enjoyed success on the Nor-Am Cup circuit. In 2019-20, she finished the season ranked third overall in the Nor-Am Cup standings. Leclair won the women’s freestyle sprint event at the national trials in January 2022. She made her Olympic debut at Beijing 2022 where she competed in the sprint and mass start events.

A Little More About Laura

Getting into the Sport: Started cross-country skiing at age 5 and began competing at age 12… When she was young, only skied to get the reward of hot chocolate… Grew up skiing in Gatineau Park which was closed to cars in the winter and made it easy for her get onto groomed trails… Attended her first World Cup in Quebec City when she was 14, sparking her dream of representing Canada… Outside Interests: Started the Féminaction program with teammate Cendrine Browne to encourage women to stay included in sport as an athlete or coordinator or coach… Works in administration for an accounting firm… Enjoys reading, colouring, cooking, gardening…