First Career World Cup Downhill Podium

Calgary, Alta. (December 3, 2022) – James Crawford (Toronto, ON) stood on the podium for a World Cup downhill for the first time today with a third place finish at the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup in Beaver Creek, Colorado. 

Crawford, starting second on a snowy and cloudy day, was in the leader’s chair until his time was bested by eventual champion Aleksander Aamodt Kilde (NOR). With teammates, staff and Canadian ski racing fans holding their breath, Crawford’s time stood up to 60 challengers securing him a spot on the podium.

“Super exciting to have grabbed a podium so early in the season,” said Crawford. “Today was a hard day with the snow and the wind, and I’m happy to be able to hold on to third. I definitely have some work to do to catch the two top guys, but this is a huge milestone for me and I’m hoping to take a lot of confidence forward into this season.”

Today was Crawford’s 32nd World Cup downhill start and builds on last season’s two top 10 finishes in the downhill, including a sixth place in Kitzbühel (AUS). This is Crawford’s fifth top 10 finish in his last six World Cup races.

"Great result for the team, “ said men’s alpine speed coach John Kucera. “Results like this bring confidence to Jack and it also brings confidence to other athletes and the staff. We have the speed to be competitive with the rest of the world. And on any given day any of the athletes on the team can stand on the podium.”

Four other Canadians raced the downhill in Beaver Creek today. Jeffrey Read (Canmore, AB) was 44th, Brodie Seger (North Vancouver, BC) 46th, Broderick Thompson (Whistler BC) 52nd and Sam Mulligan (Vancouver, BC) was 59th.

Meanwhile two Canadian women raced in front of an energetic home crowd at Lake Louise. Marie-Michèle Gagon (Lac-Etchemin, QC) was Canada’s top finisher in 24th place picking up valuable World Cup points. Stefanie Fleckenstein (Whistler, BC) was 37th, a career best finish at Lake Louise.

Next Race

The Women continue racing at Lake Louise with the super-G on Sunday.

The Men are again on the slopes at Beaver Creek, Colorado, also for a super-G on Sunday.

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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.