Luke
​McGurk 

Luke McGurk is a dedicated high-performance coach with a passion for developing world-class cross-country skiers and biathletes. With a background as both an athlete and coach, he leads the Rocky Mountain Racers (RMR) with a focus on technical precision, physical conditioning, and mental resilience.
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His career includes coaching and support roles at the Youth Olympic Games in biathlon, the U23 and JuniorWorld Championships, and multiple World Cups in cross-country skiing. These experiences have given him valuable insight into the preparation, strategy, and adaptability needed to perform at the highest level of sport.
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Committed to more than just results, Luke emphasizes a team culture that balances hard work with a love for the sport. He encourages athletes to strive for excellence while building lifelong skills in discipline, teamwork, and goal setting, inspiring the next generation to pursue their dreams on and off the snow.
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Jacqueline Akerman

Jacqueline hails from Cowichan Territory - Salt Spring Island BC and since has lived in Saskatoon, Canmore, Camrose, Ottawa area and most recently Vernon BC. Jacqueline has now settled back in Canmore along with her partner Avery Levesque and little dog Ruth.

Jacqueline is a Biathlon and Cross Country Ski coach with a passion for guiding athletes to peak performance. Her commitment to excellence and her genuine passion for the sport makes her a respected and influential figure in the Nordic world. With over thirty years of experience, Jacqueline combines her vast expertise with a deep understanding of technical and tactical development and training.

A former competitive athlete herself, Jacqueline has an intimate knowledge of the physical and mental demands of the sport. Her background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education, advanced coaching certifications, and a Masters degree in Coaching Studies.

Jacqueline’s coaching philosophy emphasizes a balanced approach to training, focusing on building resilience for sport and life. She has a masterful eye when guiding athletes to finding the foundational changes needed for improved ski technique and impactful shooting skill progression. 

Throughout her career, Jacqueline has worked with a diverse range of athletes, from national team to grassroot participants. Her athletes have achieved notable successes in national and international competitions. Her work has brought her around the country and world including; numerous National championships, Canada Games, FISU games, Youth Olympic Games, World Cups, Para XC Finals, IBU and JR IBU cups. 

Jacqueline frequently helps create and conduct workshops to inspire and educate athletes and coaches - helping to build a strong foundation for the future of the sport.

Outside of coaching, Jacqueline enjoys eating great food, spending time in the backcountry paddling and camping and will always be up for a good game of mini golf!

IST Support Team

Chelsea Mackenzie
Strength

Owner and creator of Omnia Movement & Performance, Chelsea Mackenzie (Deschamps), has over 13 years experience in the strength and movement industry. Her education includes a Master's degree in Kinesiology (MKin) from the University of Calgary focused on clinical and performance exercise physiology.  She has research publications in the field of genetics and performance and countless hours spent with clients working to analyze and coach movement and body mechanics. As a Certified Exercise Physiologist (CSEP-CEP), High Performance Specialist (CSEP-HSP), and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA-CSCS), Chelsea has the background and experience which gives her a creative edge in connecting with each individual. These qualifications give her the knowledge to understand the human body, how it responds to periodized training, and a sharp eye for movement quality. The time Chelsea has spent coaching gives her the ability to offer meaningful suggestions, cues, and modifications to movement techniques which allow her clients to improve quickly and effect lasting change in their performance. ​

Lauren Hundseth Nutrition

Lauren Hundseth is a Performance Dietitian with the Canadian Sport Institute Alberta, where she works with developmental, provincial, and national-level athletes to optimize nutrition for training, recovery, and performance. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Kinesiology and supports athletes through individualized consultations, team presentations, and hands-on experiences such as grocery store tours, kitchen sessions, and interactive activities that help athletes turn nutrition knowledge into practical, everyday habits.
With a background in both sport performance and research, Lauren is currently completing her Master of Science in Kinesiology, focusing on iron supplementation in female athletes. Her approach emphasizes evidence-based practice while also meeting athletes where they’re at, keeping nutrition realistic, flexible, and sustainable.

Mike & Judy Mappin     ​Ski Fleet Service
Club Sponsors
Sport Partners