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On a significant day in Oberstdorf, Germany, Canadian ski jumper Abigail Strate made history by winning her first World Cup gold medal. At age 24, Strate achieved a remarkable score of 268.2 points, outpacing her competitors. This victory not only fulfilled a lifelong aspiration but also marked a pivotal moment in her career.
Strate’s exceptional performance allowed her to surpass China’s Zeng Ping by 10.5 points. Zeng secured second place with 257.7 points, while Germany’s Selina Freitag finished third with 257.3 points. Reflecting on her achievement, Strate expressed her disbelief and joy, stating, “This has been my dream since I can remember. I didn’t know if it would ever happen, but I have always been chasing it. I frickin’ did it.”
The challenges and triumphs
Following a disappointing seventh-place finish in Garmisch-Partenkirchen shortly before, Strate credited her success to the steadfast support of her coaching team based in Slovenia. This victory marked her eighth podium finish in World Cup competitions, with three of those occurring in the current season. Strate admitted that the pressure to maintain her form had been challenging. “Today was a bit surprising for me. I think I have been struggling a bit this winter to be as relaxed because I likely felt a bit of pressure,” she explained.
Finding comfort in the jump
Strate’s initial jump of the day was a standout performance, earning her 146.1 points for a distance of 136 meters. With a substantial lead heading into the final round, she experienced an unexpected sense of comfort: “I was in a bubble today. I didn’t even realize what was going on. I’ve never led a World Cup before, but I felt really comfortable in that position. I like it up there.” This shift in mindset, supported by her discussions with coaches, enabled her to focus less on the pressure and more on executing her jumps with precision.
A historic moment for Canada
Strate’s victory is particularly significant as she is only the second Canadian woman in history to achieve a World Cup win, following Alexandria Loutitt. This achievement adds to Canada’s rich skiing legacy, bringing the total number of female and male World Cup winners to parity, with Horst Bulau and Steve Collins among the notable male victors. Strate’s win also sets the stage for the upcoming Olympic Games, where large hill competitions will debut in Milano-Cortina.
Building on past successes
Prior to her victory, Strate made headlines this season by winning two silver medals in big hill events, demonstrating her consistent performance in Lillehammer, Norway, and Wisla, Poland. Additionally, she took part in an Olympic test event in Predazzo, Italy, further solidifying her status as a formidable competitor on the international stage. Strate’s journey reflects not only her athletic talent but also her resilience and dedication to the sport, as she continues to push boundaries and inspire future generations of ski jumpers.
As the ski jumping community prepares for the next competition in Villach, the excitement surrounding Strate’s victory is palpable. This win underscores her personal journey and serves as a reminder of the dreams that can be realized through hard work and determination.