Georgia Manhard

Georgia Manhard’s involvement in cross-country skiing began in 1976 when her children were introduced to the sport. Her passion for skiing led to an extensive career within the sport’s structure where she held various volunteer positions. In 1978, Manhard helped to establish the 100 Mile Nordics, a ski club for junior racers. In 1988, she served as Division Chair of Cross Country BC and in 1991 she took on the role of acting Operations Manager. During this period, she was also a driving force within Cross Country Canada where she focused on club, coach and athlete development.

Manhard played a crucial role in transforming cross-country skiing in Canada from a relatively unstructured activity to a well-organized sport with a robust framework. She led strategic initiatives to create an effective and cohesive cross country ski community in British Columbia. Manhard was instrumental in developing the Long Term Athlete Development Model and also updated the cross country National Coaching Certification Program. She had a remarkable ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously without missing a beat.

Leading up to the 2010 Vancouver Olympic and Paralympic Games, Manhard chaired the cross country work group mandated to achieve the best possible legacy for cross country skiing both prior and post Olympic Games. She also contributed significantly to the selection of Callaghan Valley at Whistler Olympic Park, the site of all Nordic events.

Georgia Manhard’s legacy lies in her unrelenting work and leadership skills that led to the development of dynamic ski clubs with exceptional capacity. Her efforts greatly contributed to Canada’s ability to host major international events including FIS World Cups and FIS Nordic Junior World Championships. Her dedication as a volunteer, innovator and subject matter expert has left an indelible mark on cross-country skiing across Canada