Meet our Announcers
DASHA ATKINS
On Days 1, 3, 4 and 7, you will be hearing Dasha Atkins announcing the Nationals races. Dasha is a former National Ski Team athlete who competed in two Olympic Games and claimed 14 National Ski Championship titles during her racing career. Since retiring from competition, she has brought her passion for skiing to the broadcast booth, providing expert commentary at events such as the 2022 Masters World Cup and the 2024 FIS Canmore World Cup.
Beyond broadcasting, Dasha is dedicated to sharing her knowledge and love for the sport. As a coach at the Space Dogs Ski Club, she inspires skiers of all levels to push their limits and achieve their goals. Off the trails, she teaches Finance at the University of Calgary and SAIT and contributes to Nordic Ski Lab’s online ski coaching platform.
What excites her about announcing?
“Announcing is an incredible way to immerse myself in the excitement of a race—without actually having to race it! I get the same rush of emotions, energy, and adrenaline from watching and commentating as I did when I was competing myself. It’s the best seat in the house to celebrate the sport I love!”
And what is she you looking forward to about this year’s ski Nationals?
“Nationals are a truly special championship, and I’ll never forget racing in my first Nationals in Thunder Bay back in 2000. That’s why I’m so excited to welcome skiers from all corners of Canada to Canmore—especially those experiencing their first Nationals or racing in Canmore for the very first time. I can’t wait to be part of the action, commentate, and unapologetically cheer for every racer—from the rookies making their debut to our Canadian ski heroes returning home from the World Junior, U-23, and Senior Championships!”
Bonus fact about Dasha: She is an avid gardener and grows between 8-10 different heirloom tomato varieties in her Calgary urban garden, in addition to growing veggies, berries, herbs, and fruit trees.
JUSTIN WADSWORTH
On Days 2, 5 and 6, you will be hearing Justin Wadsworth announcing the Nationals races. Justin is a former Olympian, competing at the 1994, 1998 and 2002 Winter Olympics. He coached the US cross-country ski team from 2006 - 2010, the Canadian cross-country ski team from 2010 - 2016, and is currently the head coach of the Canadian Biathlon team.
Known for telling bad jokes, and also as that Canadian coach who handed a spare ski to a competitor who had broken theirs at the Sochi Olympics in 2014, Justin speaks fluent American, enjoys long walks on the beach and winning Scrabble games.
What excites him about announcing?
“I love to watch ski racing, and getting to share my excitement and knowledge of the sport is pretty fun.”
And what is he most looking forward to at this year’s Ski Nationals?
“Announcing the sprints, as they are the most action packed.”
