Justyna Kowalczyk Shutterstock

Poland’s leading cross-country skier, Justyna Kowalczyk, stormed to victory in the 15km skiathlon race in Canmore, Canada, in mid-December. Ms Kowalczyk finished in 42 minutes 51.5 seconds, well ahead of Anne Kylloenen of Finland who took second place, more than 30 seconds behind. Norway’s Vibeke Skofterud finished third.

It was the 29-year-old’s second victory in a matter of days, after she also won the 10km race at the same World Cup meeting. And it was just the tonic the three-time overall World Cup winner needed after a disastrous start to the season. Ms Kowalczyk, who spent time on the operating table during the summer in a bid to cure a troublesome knee injury, finished the 10km race in Gällivare, on December 3, in 27th place – almost a minute and a half behind last season’s overall champion Marit Bjoergen, who did not participate in the races in Canada.

Ms Kowalczyk, who often starts the season slowly, is now back on track with her two victories in Canada putting her on top of the overall standings with 515 points. Trailing her is American Kikkan Randall. Ms Bjoergen fell to third place.

David Ingham