Calgary, Alta. (January 26, 2023) – Alexis Guimond, Gatineau (QC) and Kurt Oatway (Calgary, AB) were each less than a second off the podium in today’s giant slalom at the FIS Para Alpine World Championships in Espot, Spain.

Guimond, coming off a bronze medal in yesterday’s downhill, was the first skier on the course in the men-standing race. He then had to watch from the finish as his name slowly moved off the podium.

‘It was a tough one today,” said Guimond. “The first run was a little lackluster. I tried to push more in the second run, but I made a costly mistake at the top of the course, and it was tough to make up for that mistake. I know that I pushed my limits today and I’m happy about that. Hopefully I can keep pushing and grab on to gold!”

For Oatway, this race was another step in his return from serious injury suffered at the 2022 para alpine world championships in Lillehammer, Norway. Racing the giant slalom in the men-sitting category, Oatway held third place for a couple of racers before being bumped off the podium.

“These championships have been tough, and today was no different,” said Oatway. “Felt like I held back on the first run and that I could’ve charged a bit more. My second run was better, but still a lot of room for improvement.”

“Having a great staff, and a great team dynamic is a good step towards finding that extra bit of time that I need.”

Brian Rowland (Merrickville, ON), also racing in the men-sitting giant slalom, didn’t start his second run to manage an injury.

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