Calgary, Alta. (March 23, 2018) – Erin Mielzynski (Collingwood, Ont.) wins back-to-back slalom titles at the Canadian Championships. Today, Mielzynski was crowned the 2018 Sport Chek National Slalom Champion, making it her third title in this discipline. She also won in 2017 at Mont-Tremblant and in 2015 at Mont-Sainte Anne.

“It was honestly a little nerve-wracking to defend a title,” said Mielzynski. “It was definitely a bit rougher second run but some good practice to see how far I can push and keep a lead. It was a lot of fun and the volunteers did a really great job getting the race off. I’m really happy to be here and stand on the podium. Nationals is the biggest thing for us tech racers to come to right now in Canada. It means a lot to me to race with these youngsters. Sometimes they beat me and sometimes it’s close but it’s huge for me to try and be a role model here. Above all, I’m proud to be here to be part of this team. I love RED Mountain Resort and I’d definitely come back.”

Joining Mielzynski on the podium were fellow National Team athletes, Candace Crawford (Toronto, Ont.) and Valérie Grenier (Mont-Tremblant, Que.).

“It was fun!” said Crawford. “It was good but a little rowdy on the bottom. I’m really happy with the snow conditions after yesterday’s rain. It held up pretty well and I’m happy to finish second. It’s been a good couple of days.”

Cassidy Gray (Team Panorama) was the U19 Sport Chek National Slalom Champion today. Rounding out the junior podium was Stephanie Profitt (Burke Mountain Academy) and Katie Fleckenstein (Green Mountain Valley School).

“My first run was ok. I didn’t make any mistakes but I was holding back a bit,” said Grey. “On the second run I knew it was time to go and I sent it a lot harder, which was a lot more fun. It’s really cool to race against the other World Cup athletes. I’m super star struck by them. It’s really cool!”

Tomorrow the ladies' will race for the giant slalom national title. 

Ladies’ 2018 Sport Chek National Slalom Championships Podium

1 – Erin Mielzynski - CAN

2 – Candance Crawford – CAN

3 – Valérie Grenier - CAN

Ladies’ U19 2018 Sport Chek National Slalom Championships Podium

1 – Cassidy Gray – Team Panorama

2 – Stephanie Profitt – Burke Mountain Academy

3 – Katie Fleckenstein – Green Mountain Valley School

ABOUT ALPINE CANADA

Alpine Canada is the national governing body for alpine, para-alpine and ski cross racing in Canada. With the support of valued corporate partners along with the Government of Canada, Own the Podium and the Canadian Olympic Committee, Alpine Canada develops Olympic, Paralympic, world championship and World Cup medallists to stimulate visibility, inspiration and growth in the ski community.