Panorama, B.C. (March 8, 2022) -- One day after Team Canada dazzled in the team event placing first in the event, Canadian Raphaël Lessard (Bromont, QC) showed the world how fast he can be. 

After placing 28th and making the flip in the first run of the men’s giant slalom event today, Lessard turned on the afterburners for the second run and held the second-fastest time on the course to finish 9th overall in the event. 

“Top to bottom, I felt really good,” says Lessard of his second run. “I was surprised to be 0.7 behind so I thought it must have been a slow run. But I stayed in there and ended up moving up 19 places and finished 9th overall.” 

The first run Lessard planned to attack from top to bottom, making good splits in the top but a costly mistake showed on the clock. Kicking out second in the second run meant the track would be fresh. The same charging attitude combined with the learning from the first run led to a clean ski from top to bottom and ultimately the huge shift in place. 

Competing in these World Junior Championships are several talented athletes from around the globe, a fact not lost on the young Canadian: “It’s great to see my name on the leaderboard with some of these guys, they’re big guys in the Europa cup standings, even the World Cup, so to be in the mix with them is pretty cool. I have a long ways to go, but it’s very encouraging.” 

The 41st FIS Alpine Junior World Ski Championships wrap up tomorrow with the men’s slalom and women’s giant slalom events. 

For more information or media inquiries please contact 
Kylie Robertson I Manager of Communications  
krobertson@alpinecanada.org I 403-777-3204 

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