Ski jumper Abigail Strate earns bronze in Austria for 1st World Cup medal of season

Abigail Strate of Canada secured a bronze medal in the World Cup ski jumping event in Hinzenbach, Austria, marking her first podium finish of the season. The 24-year-old athlete from Calgary put up an impressive performance, scoring 226.6 points over two jumps on the normal-size hill.

In her jumps, Strate covered distances of 86.5 meters and 87.5 meters, showcasing her skill and determination on the slopes. Reflecting on her achievement, Strate expressed her satisfaction with her performance, highlighting the importance of taking risks and pushing herself to the limit in a highly competitive sport like ski jumping.

“I decided I was going to go for it. It either works or it doesn’t. In a top sport like this, the margin is so small you can’t be half in,” said Strate. “I have been playing it safe this year, but I reached the point where I said ‘we are doing it. I know I can do it.’ I proved that to myself in training and qualis this weekend.”

The gold medal in the event went to Slovenia’s Nika Prevc, with Germany’s Selina Freitag claiming silver. This bronze medal marked Strate’s sixth career World Cup podium finish, showcasing her consistency and dedication to the sport.

During the competition, Strate revealed that she used stress-relieving techniques to calm her nerves, including applying essential oils on her gloves and taking a moment to look at a lucky bee sticker on her ski. These rituals helped her stay grounded and focused on her performance, ultimately leading to her success on the slopes.

Looking ahead, Strate expressed her excitement for the upcoming World Championships in Trondheim, Norway, scheduled to begin on February 27. She emphasized the significance of the event and the opportunity it presents for athletes to compete at a high level and strive for excellence in their performances.

With her recent bronze medal win and a positive trend of improving results, Strate is poised to make a strong impact at the World Championships and continue to inspire fans and fellow athletes with her passion for ski jumping. Stay tuned for more updates on Strate’s journey and her pursuit of excellence in the sport.