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Kaleb Barnum makes top-tier at FISU Winter World Games

1,500 international university athletes met in Turin for the FISU World University Games

Fernie's Kaleb Barnum was among the first few to cross the finish line in an exciting final race at the FISU Winter World University Games in Turin, Italy.

He finished second in the ski cross qualifying time trial behind Erik Wahlberg of Sweden and fifth overall, but won the small final.

"I am having a great time with my team and am looking forward to the rest of the season," he remarked in an e-mail. "I appreciate the support from my family and friends in Fernie."

FISU World University Games is a mixed sporting event hosted every two years in varying locations, showcasing athletic achievements of post-secondary students from around the world. 

1,500 international university athletes under the age of 25 travelled to this event, competing in 11 sports for 90 medals from Jan. 13 to Jan. 23.

Barnum's teammate Sage Stefani, from Rossland, won bronze at the same event in the women's category.

Barnum's winter schedule is packed full of ski cross events. Currently he's competing in the Europa Cup series, visiting Reiteralm, Austria, Les Contamines-Montjoie, France, and Val di Fassa, Italy. Later in February, he'll travel to Gore Mountain in New York for the Nor-Am Cup, and in March, he'll have his first World Cup start in Craigleith, ON. 

He'll return to the Junior World Ski Cross Championships for his final race of the season. Last year, he clinched the gold medal at this event, winning all four of his heats and overtaking Whistler's three time competitor Nicholas Katrusiak in Sweden. This year, the World Championships will be held at Isola 2000 in France.






About the Author: Gillian Francis

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