Athletes & Coaches
Many talented Canadian and international athletes and alumni have been members of the Whistler Nordic Development Centre since its inception in 2016/17. Meet our current WNDC team, with the full-time Podium & Performance athletes and the Summer & Next Gen group, as well as our coaches, and browse through our alumni!
WNDC Podium & Performance Biathlon Team 2025/26
Alexander Hatloe
Birthdate: July 15, 2004
Hometown: Sechelt, BC
Alexander discovered his passion for biathlon at the age of 12 in Whistler BC. He
believes in a strong work ethic and drive for continuous improvement. Known for his
persistence, Alexander aims to bring intensity and commitment to every training session
and race, always pushing himself to be better than the day before.
Goals and Aspirations:
Alexander’s long-term goal is to aim at the highest level of his sport while continuing to
develop both physically and mentally as an athlete. He aims to represent his team with
consistency, discipline, and resilience, and to keep progressing toward national and
international competition opportunities.
Off the Track:
When he’s not training or racing, Alexander enjoys hands-on projects, learning new
technical skills, and exploring creative hobbies. He values staying curious, challenging
himself outside of sport, and making the most of downtime to recharge and grow.
Fun Facts About yourself :
● Favorite Movie: Pacific Rim
● Favorite Song: Beat It - Michael Jackson
● Must-Have Travel Item: Snacks
● Bucket List: Sky diving and traveling the world
Ryan Elden
Birthdate: Nov 8th 1999
Hometown: Quesnel, BC
I first started Biathlon at about 9 years old. Growing up I always had an Olympic Dream, and when I was 14 I became more serious about Biathlon. I moved to Prince George in 2016 to enroll in the Engage Sport North Sports School Program, and moved to Whistler the next year in 2017 to train with the WNDC team. I have lived and trained here in Whistler since then. Chasing the dream.
Some of the most memorable moments of my career are; Nabbing my first National podium with a Bronze Medal at the Hinton Nationals in 2015. Qualifying for the Youth World Championships in 2018, My first International Competition. Winning gold at the Canada Winter Games in 2019. Competing for Canada at the 2023 IBU Cup in Canmore AB. And qualifying for the IBU circuit with a chance to qualify for the 2026 Olympic Games.
Goals and Aspirations:
This season I hope to qualify for the Olympic games, and compete internationally as much as possible!
Off the Track:
In my spare time I like to play Ukulele, play games with friends, and adventure. I coach the Sea to Sky club here in Whistler, and work for the Canadian Sport Institute Facility here.
Fun Facts About yourself :
- Favorite Movie: How to Train Your Dragon
- Favorite Song: Listen to Your Heart
- Must-Have Travel Item: Nail Clippers
- Bucket List: Sky diving
Lucas Clements
Birthdate: June 16, 2006
Hometown: Squamish, BC
I started biathlon when I was 9 years old with SeaToSky Nordics in Whistler, BC. My most notable achievements in the sport have been being the overall provincial champion in the 2023-24 season, 2 national podiums in 2025, and finishing the 2024-25 season 6th overall in Canada in the Youth Men category.
Outside of biathlon I love being outside. I spend most of my time riding my mountain bike, road bike, running, backpacking, hiking, downhill skiing, and ski touring. I am always eager to go on new adventures whenever the opportunity presents itself.
Goals and Aspirations:
Jr IBU Cup
Jr World Championships 2027
FISU Games 2027
Off the Track:
Travel the world
Finish my university degree
Find a career that allows me to operate outside.
Fun Facts About yourself :
Favorite Movie:
- Interstellar
- Dune
- Star Wars
- Lord of the Rings
Favorite Song:
- Plastic Cigarette - Zach Bryan
- New Linen - SamRecks
Must-Have Travel Item:
-
My pillow and Pajamas
Bucket List:
- Travel the world
- Summit Matterhorn and Mont Blanc
Eric Piercey
Birthdate: 4 April, 2006
Hometown: Richmond, Ontario
Eric Piercey started biathlon through Air Cadets at the age of 12, shortly thereafter he began to race competitively with Chelsea Nordiq. As he progressed through high school, his interest and commitment to biathlon grew.
Eric’s best results include multiple top 10 results at national biathlon championships, and podium finishes of Quebec, Ontario, and BC cups.
Goals and Aspirations: Be selected for a competition tour representing team Canada
Off the Track: Eric likes to learn and play instruments and read.
Fun Facts About yourself :
- Favorite Movie: Monty Python and the Holy Grain
- Favorite Song: Two-Headed Boy, Pt.2 by Neutral Milk Hotel
- Must-Have Travel Item: Soundproof Headphones
- Bucket List: Travel to the northernmost place in Canada
Graham Benson
Birthdate: October 13, 2006
Hometown: Whistler
Graham has been competing in biathlon for the last decade. Beginning with Sea to Sky Nordics
and working up from the BC Cup Circuit through to the Canadian National Championships.
Since joining WNDC 3 years ago, he has progressed onto the international level of racing
through the British Biathlon Union, racing for Great Britain. While most of his international
experience has been on the IBU Junior Cup, Graham made his World Cup debut in January of
2026.
Some key results and accomplishments include a 14th place finish in a sprint competition in
Madona, Latvia, on the IBU Junior Cup, and a 20th place finish in the Mass Start 60 race, also
in Madona, Latvia. Earlier in the season during his World Cup debut, he achieved 95th place in
the Sprint Competition in Oberhof, Germany, with only one mistake in the standing shoot!
Goals:
Graham hopes to continue to improve and progress up the rankings on the biggest stages. A
competition he hopes to qualify and race at is the 2027 World Championships in Oteppa,
Estonia.
Off the track:
While not training, traveling to competition, or racing, Graham loves to ride his mountain bike,
get up on the mountain for some downhill skiing, and spend time with friends!
Fun fact about myself:
Graham has three passports!
Favorite Movie: Good Will Hunting
Favorite Song: Ive Seen It—Olivia Dean
Must-Have Travel Item: Travel Adapter
Bucket List: Do a semester of university in another countr
Jasper Fleming
Birthdate: July 5th 2005
Hometown: Squamish, BC
Living in Squamish, BC, I attribute so much of my success as an athlete and person to
being a product of my environment. I feel so grateful to have just qualified for my first
Winter Olympic Games in Milano- Cortina, ITA. When I’m not in Europe racing, you can
find me on my bike riding/ and building Squamish’s trails! I also love painting, playing
the piano and guitar!
Goals and Aspirations: Win an Olympic medal.
Off the Track: Off the track I’m a mountain biker, dedicating most of my time
outside of biathlon specific training to one of my favourite things!
Fun Facts About yourself : I’m dyslexic!
• Favorite Movie: Interstellar
• Favorite Song: RnB
• Must-Have Travel Item: My little fan that I use to sleep.
• Bucket List: Have my dream house.
Taje Hansen
Whistler BC
Taje started biathlon in 2014 when he was 9 after fighting for years to get out of ski school and skiing in a line. SeaToSky Nordics instantly captivated him with the shooting aspect of biathlon and slowly grew his love for cross country skiing. Taje is driven by his competitive spirit and loves to show off his hard work on the race course. Taje leads his successful biathlon career with a smile and youthful energy that is felt through the whole team.
Taje’s most notable achievements include; numerous BC Cup season aggregate wins, two national champion titles in his respective categories and most recently, qualifying for the 2026 Youth/Junior World championships in Germany. Taje is competitive in every race he starts, whether it's simply a team time trial or the deciding race of the national championships.
Goals and Aspirations:
A goal that I have carried with me since I started racing is to participate in the 2030 Olympics. I also hope to represent Canada next year on the Junior IBU Tour and Junior World Championships.
Off the Track:
When I retire from biathlon I am going to pursue a career in firefighting and maybe even get my Red Seal in auto mechanics.
Fun Facts About yourself :
- If I didn’t choose to be a biathlete I would probably be a volleyball player
- I know every Kendrick Lamar song.
- I would eat only burritos for the rest of my life if I could
- I am the youngest athlete on WNDC
Jackson Smith
Birthdate: Sept/25/2006
Hometown: Winnipeg, Manitoba
I discovered biathlon through cadets in 2020 and quickly progressed to competing at cadet nationals that same year. I later joined Red River Nordic, where I continued to develop as an athlete.
The achievements I am most proud of are representing Team Manitoba at the Canada Winter Games in PEI. I have also earned three NorAm Cup podiums, with two third-place finishes and one second-place finish.
Goals and Aspirations:
My goal is to represent Canada internationally on the Junior Cup and beyond. An overarching goal of mine is to compete for Team Canada at the Olympics.
Off the Track:
Outside of biathlon, I enjoy mountain biking, trail running and backcountry skiing as well as reading some truly excellent books. I also enjoy coaching the next generation of athletes and want to further my skills as a coach in the future.
Fun Facts About Yourself:
- Favourite Movie: Pacific Rim
- Favourite Song: ”Ghost towns” by Radical Face
- Must-Have Travel Item: Several good books
- Bucket List: Climbing an 8000m peak, skydiving, cooking the perfect steak and competing at the Olympic Games.
Logan Pletz
Birthdate: Nov 7 2000
Hometown: Lumsden, Saskatchewan
Logan Pletz is a Regina-born biathlete and a key member of the Canadian World Cup team. His journey in the sport began at age 11, eventually leading to a standout performance as the gold medalist and flag bearer at the 2019 Canada Winter Games. Since then, he has become a consistent presence on the international stage, competing in three consecutive IBU World Championships (2023–2025). Logan recently qualified to represent Canada at the 2026 Olympics
Goals and Aspirations:
Pletz is currently focused on his Olympic debut at the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Games. Having dreamed of representing Canada since watching the "golden goal" at Vancouver 2010, he is now part of a young, determined core of athletes aiming to elevate Canadian biathlon on the world stage. His aspirations extend beyond just participating; he is committed to building long-term consistency and achieving personal bests at the highest level of competition. He views the upcoming Games in Italy as both a culmination of years of training and a springboard for the next chapter of his athletic career.
Off the Track:
Currently residing in Cochrane, Alberta, Logan is a dedicated craftsman and entrepreneur who operates Project LP, a venture where he has spent the last three years designing and building custom rifle stocks for Canadian athletes. Beyond his work in the shop, he is a fervent enthusiast of the third-wave coffee scene. This passion for specialty coffee is a central part of his life outside of training; he is deeply interested in the artistry of roasting and brewing, with long-term aspirations of eventually opening his own coffee roastery.
Fun Facts About yourself :
- Favorite Movie: Interstellar
- Favorite Song: Magnificent – U2
- Must-Have Travel Item: Aeropress
- Bucket List: Stop travelling the world, buy a house and have a family.
WNDC Podium & Performance Biathlon Team 2024/25
Alexander Hatloe
Performance Program
Born July 15, 2004 in Sechelt, BC
Sea to Sky Nordics athlete Alexander has been involved in biathlon since summer 2017 when he tried it for the first time at Whistler Olympic Park. He has been very successful in recent trial races, for example the winter 2021 national team test where he came in seventh overall and third in his age category nationally. He loves the constant challenge and reward cycle in the sport of biathlon. Alexander is proud of the progress he has made as an athlete, and hopes that the time with the WNDC will help him achieve his athletic goal of racing to the podium in national competitions. Three things on the music and book lover’s bucket list are to experience Japan, to go skydiving and to go exploring.
Sean Benson
Performance Program
Born January 7, 2003 in Vancouver, BC
Sean Benson is a biathlete with the Whistler Nordic Development Centre (WNDC). Sean’s journey in biathlon began in 2012 during a summer camp hosted by Sea to Sky Nordics at the Olympic Park, sparking a passion that has led him to compete internationally.
Sean’s major achievements include placing 44th in the Individual event at the 2024 World Championships, 62nd in the Sprint at the Junior Open European Championships 2024, and 58th in the Super Sprint at Junior Cup 1 in 2022. He loves biathlon for the opportunities it provides to travel the world, compete, and push himself to new limits. His goals include competing in all the Junior IBU Cups this year, progressing to IBU Cups, and eventually representing Canada at the Olympics.
Known for his precision in shooting, Sean complements his athletic pursuits with a passion for baking, particularly Pesto Chicken Pasta. In his downtime, he enjoys the TV show Veep, the song "Three Lions," and the book The Hobbit. While traveling, his trusty boot dryer is essential.
Proud of his recent competitions and ranking 44th at Worlds, Sean dreams of exploring Southern Africa on safari, hiking Mount Kilimanjaro, and living in Europe for non-biathlon reasons.
Ryan Elden
Podium Program
Ryan Elden – Biathlon Athlete
Birthdate: November 8, 1999
Hometown: Quesnel, BC
About Ryan
Ryan Elden discovered his passion for biathlon at the age of 10 with the Cariboo Ski Touring Club in Quesnel, BC. Since then, he has been dedicated to excelling in this challenging sport, where every race offers unique variables and opportunities for growth.
Ryan’s athletic journey is marked by impressive achievements, including a gold medal in the Pursuit at the 2019 Canada Winter Games and a first-place finish at the 2023 Sovereign Lake NorAm. Most recently, he competed internationally, placing 37th in the French National Circuit in 2024.
Goals and Aspirations
Ryan aims to represent Canada on the world stage by competing in the 2026 Olympic Games. He believes his positive attitude and determination are his biggest strengths, propelling him forward on his athletic journey.
Off the Track
When he’s not training, Ryan enjoys volleyball, soccer, and indulging in his favorite foods—cheese being a particular highlight! Known affectionately as “Ryguy” by his friends, Ryan brings humor and warmth to every environment he’s in.
Fun Facts About Ryan
- Favorite Movie: How to Train Your Dragon
- Favorite Song: “You’re Welcome” from Moana
- Must-Have Travel Item: Moustache Wax
- Bucket List: Skydiving, traveling through Asia, and learning to play an instrument
Ryan is most proud of his personal growth throughout his athletic journey and looks forward to inspiring others with his story.
Ryan has been part of the WNDC since summer 2017.
Daniel Gilfillan
Performance Program
Bio to Follow!
Dan will joined the WNDC in summer 2022.
Lucas Clements
Performance Program
Bio to Follow!
Eric Piercey
Performance Program
Born in Richmond, Ontario, on April 4, 2006, Eric Piercey is a dedicated biathlete with a passion for the challenging and rewarding nature of his sport. He began his biathlon journey with the Cadets program and currently competes with Team Chelsea.
Eric has consistently demonstrated his skills, achieving top-10 finishes at Nationals and working towards his ultimate goal of National Team selection. Known for his determination, he balances the demands of his sport with a love for trail running and a desire to tackle adventurous goals like backcountry skiing in Japan, running an ultramarathon, and climbing an 8000+ meter mountain.
Off the trails and range, Eric enjoys lamb, the movie Ratatouille, and the song "Naomi" by Neutral Milk Hotel. Always prepared, his soundproof headphones are a must-have during travel. Eric’s proudest moment so far has been his successful injury rehabilitation, a testament to his resilience and drive.
Mia Rodger
Performance Program
Mia Rodger – Biathlon Athlete
Birthdate: January 10, 2007
Hometown: North Vancouver, BC
About Mia
Mia Rodger began her biathlon journey in 2018 in Whistler, inspired by her love for skiing and competition. A proud member of the Whistler Nordic Development Centre (WNDC) and Sea to Sky Nordics, Mia is deeply connected to the supportive biathlon community.
Her athletic career is already highlighted by impressive accomplishments, including a gold medal at the 2023 Canada Winter Games (10km individual) and competitive finishes at the 2024 Youth World Championships, where she placed 36th in the 10km individual event and 38th in the 7.5km mass start.
Goals and Aspirations
While Mia’s ultimate goal may include the Olympics, she is currently focused on growing as an athlete and excelling in her sport while balancing her academic commitments.
Off the Track
When she’s not training, Mia enjoys swimming in the ocean, indulging in her favorite snack—avocado toast with coffee—and staying creative through photography and Pinterest.
Fun Facts About Mia
- Favorite Movie: Booksmart
- Favorite Song: “Live Well” by Palace
- Must-Have Travel Item: AirPods or headphones
- Bucket List: Backpacking through Europe, running a marathon, and starting her own business
Mia is proud of her ability to balance the demands of sport and school and is excited about her journey ahead in biathlon.
Graham Benson
Performance Program
Graham Benson – Biathlon Athlete
Birthdate: October 13, 2006
Hometown: Vancouver, BC, Canada
About Graham
Graham Benson discovered his passion for biathlon at the age of eight in Whistler, BC. As a member of the Sea to Sky Nordics and the British Biathlon Union, he has excelled in the sport, showcasing his skills both nationally and internationally.
Graham’s major achievements include a 14th-place finish in the Single Mixed Relay at Junior Cup #2 (2023), representing Great Britain in the 2024 Youth Olympic Games in South Korea, where he placed 44th in the Sprint, and earning a silver medal in the Mass Start at the 2024 Canadian National Championships in Hinton, AB.
Goals and Aspirations
Graham’s immediate goal is to secure a top-30 finish at the Youth World Championships. Ultimately, he dreams of competing in the Olympic Games. His competitive spirit is both his biggest strength and greatest motivator.
Off the Track
Outside of biathlon, Graham enjoys mountain biking, indulging in his favorite food—steak—and exploring new places. He cherishes the chance to meet people from around the world and thrives in competitive environments.
Fun Facts About Graham
- Favorite Movie: The Hangover
- Favorite Song: “Something Like That” by Tim McGraw
- Must-Have Travel Item: A SIM card with plenty of data
- Bucket List: Visit Africa for a safari, hike Mount Fuji in Japan, and compete in the Olympic Games
Representing Great Britain at prestigious events like the Junior IBU Circuit and the Youth Olympic Games remains one of Graham’s proudest accomplishments, and he looks forward to reaching new milestones in his biathlon journey.
Jasper Fleming
Performance Program
Born July 5, 2005 in Edmonton, AB
Jasper has been cross country and downhill skiing since he was a child, and got involved in biathlon at the age of nine in Edmonton. He is now a Sea to Sky Nordics member. He was the youngest athlete to compete at the Nationals in 2018, raced to a bronze at the Canmore NorAms in 2019 and came in first in his age group’s sprint race in the Western Canadian Championships 2020. In his training, he wants to make every day count, and put in whatever it takes and more. His athletic goal is to represent Canada in the Olympic Games. If he is not on skis, he loves mountain biking, guitar, photography, art and seeking adventure with his friends.
Jasper was part of the WNDC Next Gen Program for 2021-22 and 2022-23.
Josie Clifford
Performance Program
Bio to follow
Josie was part of the WNDC Next Gen Program from summer 2022 to spring 2023.
Lisa Cart Lamy
Performance Program
Bio to follow
Mirra Payson
Performance Program
Bio to follow
Taje Hansen
Performance Program
Bio to follow
Trevor Schick
Performance Program
Bio to follow
Jackson Smith
Performance Program
Bio to follow
Summer & Next Gen Biathlon Program 2022/23
Graham Benson
Next Gen Program
Bio to Follow!
Graham joins the WNDC Next Gen Program from summer 2022 to spring 2023.
Lucas Clements
Next Gen Program
Bio to follow!
Lucas joins the WNDC Next Gen Program from summer 2022 to spring 2023.
Josie Clifford
Next Gen Program
Bio to follow!
Josie joins the WNDC Next Gen Program from summer 2022 to spring 2023.
Sophie Firth
Next Gen Program
Born August 24, 2005 in Vancouver, BC
Sophie got involved in biathlon only three years ago, in 2018 with the Sea to Sky Nordics, and loves the outdoor sport and the people she gets to train and progress with. Since 2018 she has raced to many top results, with her highlight being the 2020 BC Winter Games (silver in Mixed Relay, fourth in Individual, fifth in Sprint, fifth in Girls Team Relay). The determined athlete’s goal for the near future is to podium at the Nationals. Aside from skinny skis, downhill skiing is her biggest passion. She loves to bring her camera along with her and hopes to travel the world, to learn to speak Norwegian, and to watch a biathlon World Cup event in Europe.
Sophie was part of the WNDC Next Gen Program for 2021-22 and joins again for 2022-23.
Jasper Fleming
Next Gen Program
Born July 5, 2005 in Edmonton, AB
Jasper has been cross country and downhill skiing since he was a child, and got involved in biathlon at the age of nine in Edmonton. He is now a Sea to Sky Nordics member. He was the youngest athlete to compete at the Nationals in 2018, raced to a bronze at the Canmore NorAms in 2019 and came in first in his age group’s sprint race in the Western Canadian Championships 2020. In his training, he wants to make every day count, and put in whatever it takes and more. His athletic goal is to represent Canada in the Olympic Games. If he is not on skis, he loves mountain biking, guitar, photography, art and seeking adventure with his friends.
Jasper was part of the WNDC Next Gen Program for 2021-22 and joins again for 2022-23.
Xavier Gilbert
Summer Program
Bio to Follow!
Xavier joins the WNDC for the Summer Program 2022.
Alexander Hatloe
Next Gen Program
Born July 15, 2004 in Sechelt, BC
Sea to Sky Nordics athlete Alexander has been involved in biathlon since summer 2017 when he tried it for the first time at Whistler Olympic Park. He has been very successful in recent trial races, for example the winter 2021 national team test where he came in seventh overall and third in his age category nationally. He loves the constant challenge and reward cycle in the sport of biathlon. Alexander is proud of the progress he has made as an athlete, and hopes that the time with the WNDC will help him achieve his athletic goal of racing to the podium in national competitions. Three things on the music and book lover’s bucket list are to experience Japan, to go skydiving and to go exploring.
Alexander was part of the WNDC Next Gen Program for 2021-22 and joins again for 2022-23.
Sofie Hill
Summer Program
Born November 13, 2004 in Vancouver, BC
Sofie tried biathlon for the first time when she was nine. Her most recent major race results with the Sea to Sky Nordics are a silver and bronze at the 2018 BC Winter Games, a gold at the 2020 BC Championships and a first place at the 2020 BC Cup in Burns Lake. She is most proud of qualifying for the U20 National Team for the 2020/21 season. She enjoys that biathlon allows her to be outside in nature, and she loves that anyone at the start line has the chance to win. The determined athletes’ goal is to place in the top three at National Championships and to eventually race in Europe in a Youth/Junior World Cup. Apart from biathlon, she loves downhill skiing and traveling. Three things on her bucket list are going to the Arctic, skydiving and hiking in the alps.
Sofie was part of the WNDC Next Gen Program from summer 2021 to spring 2022 and joins the Summer Program 2022.
Sophia Ledingham
Next Gen Program
Bio to follow!
Sophia joins the WNDC Next Gen Program from summer 2022 to spring 2023.
Aliah Turner
Next Gen Program
Bio to follow!
Aliah joins the WNDC Next Gen Program from summer 2022 to spring 2023.
WNDC Coaches
Etienne Letondeur
Head Coach
Etienne has been involved in Nordic sports his whole life. Growing up in one of France’s #1 biathlon areas, in a family involved in the sports and with Nordic trails going through his backyard, he stood on skis the first time when he was 17 months old. Since then he has been connected to the sports competitively both as athlete and coach, on the business side as sales and race service representative for ski brands, and as a technical advisor, volunteer and association member to foster sport development.
Etienne Letondeur has been WNDC Head Coach since 2016.
Marion Bottesi
Assistant Coach
Born in Villard de lans France, Marion Bottesi has been involved in cross country skiing and biathlon since she was a child. She started cross country skiing at the age of eight. Always intrigued by the sport of biathlon, Marion soon started practicing shooting indoors with air guns, until she was legally allowed to shoot 22 calibre biathlon rifles at the age of 14. After racing on the provincial team for a while, she then transitioned to her real passion, coaching. Now she loves to help others on their journey to achieve their athletic goals.
Marion Bottesi has been WNDC Assistant Coach since 2019.
Browse our Alumni!
Since its first season in 2016/2017, the WNDC has been growing constantly, and has attracted athletes from all over the country to train at Whistler Olympic Park.