Mackenzie Boyd-Clowes has made a comeback to ski jumping after a break of two and a half years. He delivered Canada’s final jump at the 2022 Winter Games mixed team event, securing a bronze medal, the country’s first-ever Olympic medal in the sport. The four-time Olympian is back in action, having participated in two September competitions and provisionally qualifying for the 2026 Winter Games in Milan and Cortina, Italy.
Reflecting on his return, Boyd-Clowes expressed his excitement, stating, “It’s new and refreshing. I contemplated whether I would return to jumping, and now I am back at it.” At 34 years old, hailing from Calgary, he aims to join a select group of veterans who competed in the 2010 Vancouver and Whistler Olympics and continue their Olympic journey in 2026.
The Canadian ski jumping landscape presents challenges due to limited facilities, necessitating athletes like Boyd-Clowes to spend a significant portion of the year abroad. He plans to navigate between Canada and Europe, with the national ski jumping team stationed in Slovenia. Boyd-Clowes acknowledged the complexities of pursuing his fifth Olympic appearance, emphasizing the stark differences between ski jumping and other sports like hockey.
Boyd-Clowes took a hiatus in 2023 due to burnout, highlighting the unique struggles faced by Canadian ski jumpers. Despite the lack of training facilities in Canada, his recent performances in Romania and Predazzo showcased his talent and determination. He discussed the difficulties of balancing his passion for the sport with the challenges of constant travel and isolation.
The closure of Calgary’s 1988 Olympic ski jumps in 2018 and the operational costs of Whistler’s competition jumps underscore the obstacles faced by Ski Jumping Canada. While there are introductory facilities in Canada, elite athletes must seek opportunities abroad to compete at the highest level. Boyd-Clowes, along with his teammates, secured a bronze in the mixed team event at the Beijing Games, with Canadian women’s ski jumpers emerging as a force in the sport.
Looking ahead, Boyd-Clowes remains determined to represent Canada on the international stage, despite the limitations faced by the country’s ski jumping program. With a focus on determination and teamwork, he expressed gratitude for being part of the sport and the national team’s inspiring camaraderie.
