Calgary, Alta. (February 18, 2023) — Laurence St-Germain (St. Ferréol-les-Neiges, QC) became the first Canadian women in 60 years to win gold in slalom at a world championship today at the 2023 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in Courchevel and Méribel, France. Anne Heggtveit took gold at the 1960 Olympic Winter Games, that were also considered world championships, and they are the only two Canadian women to ever be crowned world champions in slalom.

On the last day of the women’s competition in Méribel, on another warm sunny day on the Roc de Fer course, St-Germain finished her first run in third place trailing just two women, Mikaela Shiffrin (USA) and Wendy Holdener (Switzerland). St-Germain stormed down the course on her second run to take the lead and watched anxiously as Shiffrin and Holdener took aim at her time. St-Germain’s time stood the test with Shiffrin finishing second, over half a second behind the leader.

“I’ve dreamed of this,” said a smiling St-Germain. “I’m still not sure that I believe it but it feels amazing. I felt good this morning but never expected anything like this. I was pretty nervous at the top for my second run, but we had a good plan. The course for the second run was set-up so we could go a little faster so I stuck to the plan and kept telling myself to keep pushing all the way down.”

“It’s been such a great world championship for Canada,” added St-Germain. “Seeing my teammates get a medal in the team parallel, Jack’s gold and Cam’s bronze, they all really inspired me. And it was so special to celebrate with my coaches, our staff and my teammates in the finish.”

Ali Nullmeyer (Toronto, ON), delivered a career best world championship result today finishing 12th and had the seventh fastest second run. Amelia Smart (Invermere, BC) competing in her third world championship finished 24th.

The Alpine World Ski Championships wrap up on Sunday with the men’s slalom. For more information on the world championships, including the full schedule, please visit the FIS website at fis-ski.com.

CBC Sports will be providing extensive coverage of these world championships. To learn more, please visit CBC Sport at cbc.ca/sports/Olympics.

Follow Canada’s Ski Team this season on Alpine Canada’s website, across our social media accounts and subscribe to our newsletter.

Upcoming races:

2023 FIS Ski Cross World Championships are in Bakuriani, Georgia on February 24 and 25

Women speed are in Crans-Montana, Swizerland, Feb 25 and 26

Men tech are in Palisades Tahoe, USA Feb 25 and 26

Para-alpine race in Kitzbühel, Austria, Feb 27 and 28

For more information or media inquiries please contact:

Mark Halliday
Alpine Canada
403 777 3204
media@alpinecanada.org

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.