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For athletes, the world of competitive sports often reflects the unpredictable nature of life, filled with both thrilling peaks and daunting valleys. This summer, Abi Strate, a 24-year-old ski jumper from Calgary, Canada, experienced both exhilarating highs and heart-wrenching lows that reshaped her outlook on the upcoming season.
Strate dominated the 2025 Summer Grand Prix, achieving five podium finishes, including a significant victory at the venue that will host the upcoming Milano-Cortina Olympic Winter Games. However, her triumphs were overshadowed by the devastating injury of her teammate and friend, Alex Loutitt, during the Olympic test event in Predazzo, Italy. This incident left the team grappling with profound shock and sadness.
Highs of a successful summer
The summer season saw Strate and Loutitt not only solidifying their positions as top competitors but also forming a close bond that fueled their successes. Their performance at the 2025 Beijing Olympic Games was historic, as they, alongside teammates Mackenzie Boyd-Clowes and Matthew Soukup, claimed a surprise bronze medal in the mixed team event. This achievement set the stage for even greater accomplishments, as the two women consistently found themselves on the podium leading up to the Olympics.
Building a supportive environment
Strate attributes much of her success to the supportive dynamic she shared with Loutitt. “We constantly lifted each other up,” Strate explained. “If I had a good performance and she was struggling, it helped ease the burden. Conversely, if I faltered but she excelled, it provided a source of motivation.” This camaraderie not only strengthened their performances but also fostered a sense of unity within the team.
Facing the challenge of loss
As the winter season approaches, the absence of Loutitt due to a serious knee injury poses a significant challenge for Strate. The injury, which required surgery, has left Strate feeling a heightened sense of pressure as she prepares for the competitions ahead. “It’s going to be a different experience without Allie,” Strate remarked. “I want to view this pressure as motivation rather than a burden. I aim to approach it with enthusiasm and see where the season takes me.”
The weight of expectations
Canadian head coach Janko Zwitter commented on the unique bond between Strate and Loutitt, emphasizing how their support for one another was a remarkable aspect of their training. “They genuinely cheered each other on without jealousy, which is a rare and fantastic situation in sports,” Zwitter said. “With Allie sidelined, we will miss that dynamic, as both of them frequently achieved outstanding results.” Strate must now shoulder the expectations of her teammates and fans alone, adding to the mental strain she faces.
“Losing that connection takes away a crucial element of our team’s strength,” Zwitter elaborated. “One of them would consistently deliver fantastic performances, so now the challenge becomes greater when one individual has to carry that weight alone.”
Adapting to new realities
As the first World Cup event of the winter season approaches in Lillehammer, Strate recognizes the need to adapt to her new reality. “I didn’t fully appreciate how comforting it was to have someone beside me on the hill, someone to share a high five with before each jump,” she admitted. “Now, I’ll need to find a way to create that sense of grounding on my own.”
Despite the void left by Loutitt, Strate is determined to build on the momentum from her successful summer. She has shifted her focus from merely achieving podium finishes to a more performance-oriented approach. “I want to concentrate on executing my jumps well rather than fixating on winning a certain number of competitions,” she stated. “If I focus on my performance, success will inevitably follow.”
Goals for the future
With the Olympics on the horizon, Strate is clear about her aspirations. “My primary goal is to jump well and feel satisfied with my performances. I want to give everything I have and leave the competition feeling proud, regardless of the outcome,” she shared. Zwitter echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of focusing on personal excellence and performance over podium placements. “If Abi continues to perform at her summer level, we can expect a remarkable season ahead,” he added.
Strate dominated the 2025 Summer Grand Prix, achieving five podium finishes, including a significant victory at the venue that will host the upcoming Milano-Cortina Olympic Winter Games. However, her triumphs were overshadowed by the devastating injury of her teammate and friend, Alex Loutitt, during the Olympic test event in Predazzo, Italy. This incident left the team grappling with profound shock and sadness.0