Emily and Graham Nishikawa honoured at Mount McIntyre

A special gathering was held at Mount McIntyre in Whitehorse yesterday to formally add the names of two Yukon Olympians to the Olympic ski trail.

“They are amazing individuals,” says Yukon ski coach Alain Masson. “Very representative of the type of individual that the ski community is made of. They are really hard working.”

Emily Nishikawa competed with the cross-country ski team at the Sochi Olympics in February. 

Graham Nishikawa was a guide for visually impaired skiers at the Sochi Paralympics, winning a gold medal with Paralympic cross-country skier Brian McKeever in the visually impaired one kilometre event.

Both Emily and Graham won medals at this year's Canadian ski nationals.

“This is pretty incredible and so special,” says Emily Nishikawa. “I've skied on the Olympic trail since I was a little kid and always looked at the signs. It's pretty cool to see my name up there now.”

“I never dreamed I'd be this far into skiing and at that level so yeah, it's super special to come back now and have a sign,” says her brother Graham. “And also really special with Emily there too.”

Both are inspired to see the strong Yukon ski program in full swing and are hoping there will be more Olympians in the years ahead.

The Nishikawa name continues on the world stage.

“I just got back from Europe,” Emily says. “I've been racing in the World Cup there for the past five weeks and and yeah, I had a top 30 result and that was my goal for the year.”

Emily heads back to Europe after Christmas for more.

But right now, it's time for the Nishikawas to enjoy being home with their friends, family and the ski community.