Calgary, Alta. (March 4, 2023) – Three weeks after striking gold in the super-G at the world championships, James (Jack) Crawford (Toronto, ON) raced to second place today in the downhill at the FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup race in Aspen USA. This is the third World Cup podium in downhill in Crawford’s career, all of them coming this season.  

Under overcast skies and in front of an energetic crowd lining the course, Crawford started 12th and raced past all the other posted times, except the one of eventual winner Aleksander Aamodt Kilde (NOR). Today’s second place finish moves Crawford’s into 10th place in the overall World Cup standings, and he currently sits fifth in the downhill standings.

“It felt pretty sweet to stand on the podium again,” said a pleased Crawford. “Coming into today I didn’t feel like I was skiing my best after the world championships. Think I was a little drained after the big event. I managed to get up to race pace today and this result shows me that I’m back to my 100%.”

“The world championships win helped to alleviate some stress for me,” added Crawford. “It was important for me to win on the world stage this season and so accomplishing that has helped me feel confident and to enjoy the process coming into races.”

Canada’s women speed racers were in Kvitfjell, Norway, for today’s FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup Downhill. Stefanie Fleckenstein (Whistler, BC) was the lone Canadian racing and delivered a career best with a 19th place finish. In her 27th World Cup start, Fleckenstein started 46th and had the biggest jump of any racer today moving up 27 spots to finish in the top 20.

Three other Canadian men scored World Cup points today in Aspen, including downhill world championships bronze medalist Cameron Alexander (North Vancouver, BC) who finished 22nd.  Jeffrey Read (Canmore, AB) placed 28th and Broderick Thompson (Whistler, BC) came in 30th securing the last points position. Kyle Alexander (North Vancouver, BC) rounded out the Canadian men in 55th place.

Next Race

Men speed wrap up in Aspen (USA) with a super-G race on Sunday.

Women speed race super-G on Sunday in Kvitfjell (NOR).

Para-alpine race in Sella Nevea, Italy, March 9-12

Women tech are in Are, Sweden, Mar 10-11

Men tech race in Kranjska Gora, Slovakia, Mar 11-12

Ski cross move to Veysonnaz, Switzerland, Mar 12

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For more information or media inquiries please contact
Mark Halliday 
mhalliday@alpinecanada.org I 403-777-3204

About Alpine Canada
Alpine Canada is the governing body for alpine, para-alpine, and ski cross racing in Canada, as well as for Canadian ski coaches, providing education, certification, insurance, and compliance with the coaching code of conduct. With the support of valued corporate partners and donors, along with the Government of Canada, Own the Podium, the Canadian Olympic Committee, and the Coaching Association of Canada, Alpine Canada develops Olympic, Paralympic, World Championship, and World Cup athletes to stimulate visibility, inspiration, and growth in the ski community. In 2020/21, Alpine Canada celebrated 100 years of rich tradition in competitive skiing in Canada.