Mackenzie Boyd-Clowes has made a comeback to ski jumping following a break of two and a half years. He clinched Canada’s first-ever Olympic medal in the sport, a bronze, with his final jump in the mixed team event at the 2022 Winter Games. The four-time Olympian has started competing again, participating in two September events and securing a provisional qualification for the 2026 Winter Games in Milan and Cortina, Italy.
Expressing his excitement, Boyd-Clowes mentioned that returning to ski jumping felt new and refreshing after his extended hiatus. As a 34-year-old athlete from Calgary, he aims to become a five-time Olympian, a feat shared by only a few veterans who have competed over multiple Olympic Games.
Boyd-Clowes took a break in 2023 due to burnout, reflecting on the challenges faced as a Canadian ski jumper without proper facilities in the country. The absence of domestic ski jumps necessitates spending substantial time abroad, creating a unique journey towards Olympic participation compared to other sports like hockey.
During his time off, Boyd-Clowes worked in Calgary and sought a balance away from the intense focus on ski jumping. Despite the limitations in training facilities in Canada, he managed to impress at recent competitions in Romania, showcasing his skills even without extensive training opportunities.
With the closure of historical ski jump sites in Calgary and the cost challenges in operating existing facilities in Whistler, the Canadian ski jumping community faces obstacles in nurturing talent domestically. Despite these hurdles, athletes like Boyd-Clowes, Matthew Soukup, Alex Loutitt, and Abigail Strate continue to elevate Canada’s presence in ski jumping on the international stage.
Looking ahead to future competitions, Boyd-Clowes remains determined to represent Canada and inspire others through his commitment to the sport. The ski jumping community in Canada, although small, is united in its pursuit of excellence and grateful for the opportunity to compete at the highest level.