Michaela Gosselin wins back-to-back downhills on 7-podium day for Canada at Para alpine World Cup
Canadian Para Alpine Skiers Shine with Seven Podium Finishes at World Cup Downhill Event
Canada’s Para alpine skiers put on a spectacular performance on Wednesday at a World Cup downhill event in Santa Caterina, Italy, with seven podium finishes. The day featured two downhill races per classification to avoid impending bad weather.
Michaela Gosselin from Collingwood, Ont., stole the show by winning back-to-back races and securing her first-ever World Cup victory. The 23-year-old, competing in the women’s standing classification, achieved her fourth top-three finish of the season.
“My first World Cup win, my first podium in downhill, and back-to-back wins today, is all pretty exciting,” Gosselin said in a press release. “I’m very, very pleased with my results today.”
Calgary’s Kurt Oatway also had a stellar performance, claiming first and second place finishes in the men’s sitting races. This extended his podium streak to seven, showcasing his strong start to the season.
“Three World Cup wins and seven podiums to start the season feels pretty good,” Oatway commented. “Hope to keep the momentum building into world championships in February.”
Kalle Ericsson from Kimberley, B.C., along with guide Sierra Smith from Ottawa, delivered impressive third-place finishes in the men’s visually impaired category.
“Best result for Sierra and I in downhill, so a great day today,” Ericsson expressed. “And we’re super pumped for the rest of the team all making the podium today.”
Alexis Guimond, a two-time Paralympian from Gatineau, Que., made his season debut with a third-place finish in the second men’s standing downhill race. The 25-year-old’s return to competition was delayed due to a training fall.
“It feels great to be back racing and to hit the podium today,” Guimond said. “Was a treat to race my first World Cup this season and excited by the result.”
The Canadian Para alpine team is now gearing up for a pair of giant slalom races in St. Moritz, Switzerland on January 11-12, following their remarkable success in Italy.
