Calgary, AB, (February 18, 2021) – Add this event to the list of dreams Cassidy Gray (Panorama, B.C) is checking off her list this season. The 20-year-old, who is a member of the Canadian Alpine Ski Team (CAST) NextGen Program attacked today’s FIS Alpine World Ski Championships giant slalom course jumping from a starting position of 40th to finish in 23rd. 

“The whole day I was just trying to soak everything in. It was cool to come down the second run in the green and to sit in the leader’s box for a few minutes. I’m just happy to be here and get this amazing experience,” Cassidy said after her second run. 

Hailing from Team Panorama and developing through the sport system with the Alberta Ski Team, Cassidy has turned heads bursting into the international scene this season.  She qualified for the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships when she finished 26th in the World Cup giant slalom at Kranjska Gora, SLO in January, which was only her second start in as many days on the World Cup tour. 

“I started just doing the Linda Putnam Memorial Race back at home and now I’m here at World Champs which is a really cool experience. I get to race some people I’ve watched growing up and have idolized,” reflected Cassidy the day before her giant slalom after competing in the team event alongside teammates Erin Mielzynski, Erik Read, and Jeff Read. 

Valérie Grenier (Mont-Tremblant, QC) missed a gate in her first run and did not finish.

Looking for more Team Canada action? Tomorrow is men’s chance to tackle the giant slalom on the Labirinti course. Erik Read will lead the team into the start gate after a strong showing in the team event. Erik will be joined by Trevor Philp, who finished 10th in the alpine combined earlier this week as well as speed specialists Jack Crawford and Brodie Seger, both of whom have had fourth-place finishes earlier in the World Championships and are eager to make the jump to the podium. 

Catch all the action on cbcsports.ca beginning at 4 AM ET / 2 AM MT. 

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Whitney Hunter I Manager of Communications 
whunter@alpinecanada.org I 403-471-6032

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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 celebrates 100 years of rich tradition in competitive skiing in Canada.