Emily Nishikawa wins 10k at national cross-country ski races

Yukon's Emily Nishikawais close to her dream of going to the Olympics after she won the 10 kilometre classic ski race this morning at the Canadian cross-country ski races in Canmore, Alta.

The 24-year-old finished the race in 32.32minutes.

Her mom, Joan Stanton, says it was a fantastic day for Emily.

"She won it by almost a minute, which is a really solid result for her," she said. "So it's looking extremely positive for Emily for meeting the Olympic bar."

Stanton's son, Graham Nishikawa, is also competing at the nationals this week.She says she knows he won't be happy with today's race.He finished seventh in the 15 kilometre men's race, oneminute and 12 seconds off the winner Brian McKeever.

Jesse Cockney, who is originally from Yellowknife, came in fourth.Yukoners Knute Johnsgaard and Colin Abbott finished14th and 25th, respectively.

The Olympic trials continue on Saturday at the Canmore Nordic Centre with the final skate-ski sprint race. The men's and women's distance skiathlon races complete the trials on Sunday.

Cross Country Canada will nominate its Olympic squad on Jan. 14.