The arrival of December marks the commencement of the Winter Olympic sports season, with various thrilling events set to unfold. Here’s a glimpse of the key sporting spectacles scheduled for this weekend:
Alpine Skiing: Canada’s Only World Cup Stop
After a prolonged hiatus, the alpine World Cup makes a return to Mont-Tremblant, hosting a pair of women’s giant slalom races over the weekend. This Quebec resort steps in for Lake Louise in Alberta, which was removed from the circuit after an extensive run. The spotlight is on local favorite Valérie Grenier, who clinched gold and bronze in giant slaloms last season and has consistently secured top-seven finishes.
Meanwhile, the top male ski racers are gearing up for the potential first downhill of the season at Colorado’s Beaver Creek. Bad weather led to the cancellation of the original opener in Switzerland, and hopes are high for a successful race this Saturday, followed by a super-G on Sunday. Canadian Jack Crawford, the 2022 Olympic bronze medalist in the combined event, and Cameron Alexander, who won bronze in the downhill at the world championships, are poised to make an impact.
In unfortunate news, Alpine Canada reported that men’s racer Broderick Thompson suffered head injuries during a downhill training run but is “alert” and in “stable” condition.
Speed Skating: World Cup Resumes in Europe
Following a brief hiatus after the Asian leg, the Speed Skating World Cup resumed in Norway. Reigning women’s mass start champion Ivanie Blondin missed the podium for the first time this season, while fellow Canadian Valérie Maltais secured silver. The competition continues throughout the weekend.
Canadian star Isabelle Weidemann is opting to rest during the World Cup’s European stops to prepare for the North American leg in January, leading up to the world championships in Calgary in February.
Freestyle Skiing: The Return of the King
Mikael Kingsbury, the mogul skiing legend, launches a new World Cup season in Finland, aiming to add to his record 80 World Cup victories. Kingsbury, a four-time moguls world champion and Olympic gold medalist, sets his sights on further glory in a season opener that promises thrilling action.
The aerials World Cup season opener in Finland on Sunday will see Canada’s Marion Thénault striving to build on her success from last season, where she clinched four medals, including a gold.
As winter sports enthusiasts eagerly anticipate these events, the stage is set for a season filled with breathtaking performances, record-breaking feats, and intense competitions across various disciplines. Winter sports aficionados, brace yourselves for a captivating journey through the snowy landscapes of athletic excellence.
