Katie Calder is an Australian Kiwi with a strong interest in world affairs and foreign languages as well as being one of New Zealand’s top cross country skiers. Like fellow athlete Ben Koons, Katie is inspired by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tensing Norgay and believes the ability to come back from disappointment is critical to success. There has been just one New Zealand Olympic cross country skier so Katie sees a spot in the team as a great honour, signifying the culmination of more than a decade of hard work. Katie came second in the Swiss Championships in 2009.

Katie says "The thrill of pushing myself to the limits is a challenge I look forward to every day. Nothing beats the feeling of skiing as fast as you can when you are in the shape of your life."