Calgary, AB. (Feb 1, 2024) — Canada finished just off the podium in the team parallel at today’s FIS Junior World Ski Championships in Haute-Savoie (FRA). After defeating Austria in the 1/8 final and Germany in the quarterfinals, by the same 3-1 margin, Canada fell to eventual gold medalists Norway in the semis, and then came up just short against the US in the small final.

Racing for Canada today were Estelle Martin (Outremont, QC), Jesse Kertesz-Knight (Jasper, AB), Kendra Giesbrecht (St. Albert, BC) and Kyle Blandford (Oakville, ON). Canada has twice won the team parallel at the Junior World Championships, the last time coming on home soil in Panorama, BC in 2022.

“I’m so proud of our team,” said Kertesz-Knight . ” We fought really hard and left everything out there. So grateful to have the opportunity to compete at such a cool event, with such a great team, can’t wait for next time!!”

“Never felt more adrenaline in my life,” added Giesbrecht. “It was so much fun to be a part of that team and I’m proud of us all for the fight we showed tonight!”

 “Seeing my teammates come down in first was the best feeling!” said Blandford. “Our coaches, teammates and our families were so supportive, and it was amazing to see other countries cheering on the underdogs Canada.”

Racing continues at the Junior World Ski Championships with the women racing giant slalom (GS) on Friday and slalom (SL) on Saturday, while the men race SL on Friday and GS on Saturday. Fans can tune in to all the action FIS TV (link). 

Next races: (link to FIS Calendar)

Para-alpine wrap up in Cortina d’Ampezzo (ITA) with a SL on Feb 2

Ski cross race in Alleghe (ITA) Feb 2 and 3

Men alpine race SL in Chamonix (FRA) on Feb 4

Women alpine head to Soldeau for races Feb 10 and 11

Junior World Ski Championships continue in Haute-Savoie (FRA) through Feb 3

Follow Canada’s Ski Team this season on Alpine Canada’s website, across our social media accounts and subscribe to our newsletter.

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For more information or media inquiries please contact: 

Mark Halliday
Alpine Canada
403 777 3204
media@alpinecanada.org

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.