LIBEREC, Czech Republic – Northern Michigan University sophomore Nordic skier Kyle Bratrud skied at the World Junior Championships from Liberec, Czech Republic last week. Closing ceremonies were held on Sunday (Jan. 27).

“The Junior World Championship was a great experience for Kyle,” NMU Nordic skiing coach Sten Fjeldheim said. “All the athletes I’ve had have go to the junior worlds have come back with a new perspective on what fast means. They gain a great race and cultural experience. The skiathon was Kyle’s strongest race and he gained a ton of knowledge and experience that will help his career at NMU.”

On Wednesday (Jan. 23), Bratrud finished 46th in the 10-kilometer freestyle. He crossed the line in 25:38.4, finishing third on Team USA.

Friday (Jan. 25), Bratrud led Team USA in the 20K skiathlon. He was 34th overall 50:47.0 in the combined classic and freestyle event.

Bratrud and Team USA finished 12th overall in the 4x5K classic/freestyle relay on Sunday. Bratrud had the fastest leg time (11:45.3) as he skied the third leg and first freestyle leg.

Logan Hanneman (12:10.1) and Ben Saxton (12:02.9) did the classic legs while Sawyer Kesselheim (11:53.) skied the anchor freestyle leg. The squad crossed the line in 47:50.1.

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