Olympic cross-country ski champion Beckie Scott named CEO of Nordiq Canada

Beckie Scott: A Champion’s Journey from Olympics to Executive Leadership

Beckie Scott is a woman of many talents and experiences. From her days as an Olympic cross-country skiing champion to her role as an athlete representative at the International Olympic Committee, Scott has worn many hats in the world of sports. She also played a pivotal role in the World Anti-Doping Agency during the Russian scandal that rocked the sports world in 2014.

In 2017, Scott embarked on a new journey as the founder and CEO of Spirit North, a non-profit organization aimed at empowering Indigenous youth through sports. And now, on Monday, she begins a new chapter in her career as the CEO of Nordiq Canada, the national sport organization overseeing cross-country and Para Nordic skiing.

Scott, a native of Vermilion, Alberta, is no stranger to the power of sports. She has experienced it firsthand at every level, from being a jackrabbit in a small community to becoming an Olympic champion. Her passion for the transformative power of sports is what drives her every day.

As she steps into her new role as CEO of Nordiq Canada, Scott’s first order of business is to listen. She plans to go on a “listening tour” to hear from the organization as a whole and individuals within the community. Despite her extensive experience, Scott believes that listening is key to understanding the needs and aspirations of those she will be leading.

The opportunity to lead Nordiq Canada came about last November as Scott’s tenure with Spirit North was winding down. Encouraged to apply for the position, Scott felt a renewed sense of purpose and decided to throw her hat in the ring.

Morgan Rogers, the chair of the Nordiq Canada board, believes that Scott embodies everything the Nordic community in Canada needs in a leader. Her trailblazing spirit and tenacity have set her apart as a visionary in the world of sports. Rogers looks forward to seeing Scott bring that same drive to her new role.

Scott’s illustrious career includes winning Canada’s first-ever cross-country Olympic medal at Salt Lake City 2002 and teaming up with Chandra Crawford to secure silver at Turin 2006. As the Winter Olympics and Paralympics return to Italy next February, Scott remains optimistic about the current crop of Canadian athletes.

She sees great potential in athletes like Alison Mackie and Liliane Gagnon, who have already made waves on the international stage. Scott is particularly inspired by the Para Nordic team’s success and hopes to apply some of their winning strategies to the able-bodied squad.

As a former athlete and advocate for athlete representation, Scott plans to lead Nordiq Canada with the athlete’s voice at the forefront. She believes that athletes are the heart of sports and their empowerment is crucial to the success of the entire sports system.

With a listening tour underway, Scott is committed to putting athletes first and ensuring that their voices are heard at every level of decision-making. As she embarks on her new role as CEO of Nordiq Canada, Scott’s journey from champion athlete to executive leader promises to bring a fresh perspective and a renewed focus on athlete empowerment.