Calgary, Alta. (December 17, 2022) – Canada’s James (Jack) Crawford (Toronto, ON) was the top Canadian, with Broderick Thompson (Whistler, BC) and Brodie Seger (North Vancouver, BC) also finishing in the top 20, at today’s FIS Alpine World Cup downhill in Val Gardena / Groeden, Italy. 

Racing in and out of the shadows of the Dolomites under a brilliant sun, Crawford was in a podium position in third place for 10 skiers before having to settle for fifth. This is Crawford’s career best finish in Val Gardena and his third consecutive top seven finish in World Cup downhill racing this season.

“I’m feeling really good on my skis,” said a pleased Crawford. “I’m looking to take a little break over the holidays and then to bring the gas back in Bormio. I’m excited to carry the momentum into rest of the season.”

Thompson starting 44th punched his way to 16th place, a career best finish in a World Cup downhill, and Seger, starting 33rd claimed 20th place for his second top 20 this season.

“Super happy with today’s result,” said a smiling Thompson. “Even with a pretty big mistake in the middle section of the course, I had some really fast skiing. Happy about a career best in downhill and really excited about the next races to come.” 

Canada’s women alpine speed skiers raced the downhill today at the FIS Alpine World Cup event in St. Moritz, Switzerland. Marie-Michèle Gagnon (Lac-Etchemin, QC) picked up World Cup points with a 27th place finish and Stefanie Fleckenstein (Whistler, BC) came in 47th. 

Canadian para-alpine skiers were scheduled to race at the FIS Para-Alpine World Cup event in Steinach am Brenner, Austria, but today’s race was cancelled due to weather. 

The other Canadian men competing in today’s downhill, Cameron Alexander (North Vancouver, BC), Jeffrey Read (Canmore, AB) and Kyle Alexander (North Vancouver, BC) missed out on collecting World Cup points.

Next Race

Women alpine speed skiers are in St. Moritz, Switzerland for a super-G on Sunday. 

The men’s tech racers are in Alta Badia, Italy for giant slalom races Sunday and Monday. 

Ski cross is back racing in Innichen, Italy, on Wednesday Dec 21 and Thursday Dec 22

Para-alpine racers have a holiday break from competition until January 10th when they return to competition in Veysonnaz, Switzerland.

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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.