Canadian Men's Alpine Skiing Team Achieves Podium Success in World Cup Events

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The Canadian men’s alpine ski team has shown significant progress in recent seasons, achieving medals at world championships and earning spots on the World Cup podium. A notable victory at the Kitzbuhel downhill has generated excitement for the future of the team.

John Kucera, head coach of the men’s alpine squad, believes these accomplishments mark the beginning for this promising generation of Canadian skiers. As the World Cup season commences, Kucera is aware of the high expectations that accompany their recent achievements.

Momentum from recent achievements

With the Winter Olympic Games in Italy approaching, Kucera emphasizes the goal of securing podium finishes. “We aim for performances that place us on the podium. That’s the standard we have set for ourselves,” he stated.

Three athletes have already experienced podium success at the World Cup level, and Kucera is confident they can elevate their performance even further.

The resurgence of the Canadian men’s alpine ski program is driven by key performers like Jack Crawford, Cam Alexander, and Jeff Read.

These athletes have consistently delivered remarkable results, instilling pride in the nation. For instance, Crawford secured a bronze medal in the men’s alpine combined event at the Olympics, marking a pivotal moment in his career.

Jack Crawford’s journey

After his Olympic success, Crawford quickly added a silver medal in super-G at the World Cup, his first podium appearance in this competitive field.

The following season, he was crowned world champion in super-G and achieved a historic victory at Kitzbuhel, ending Canada’s long-awaited downhill drought.

As the new season approaches, Crawford aims to maintain his freshness and readiness. “I want to showcase the skiing prowess I know I possess.

If I can do that, I believe medals will be within reach,” remarked the 28-year-old athlete. He acknowledges the importance of pacing throughout the season to ensure mental preparedness as the Olympics near.

Challenges and comebacks

Alongside Crawford, Cam Alexander made headlines by earning a bronze medal at Kitzbuhel. The 28-year-old from North Vancouver previously achieved success by winning a world championship bronze in downhill in 2023, in addition to five career World Cup podium finishes. His journey began with a victory in Kvitfjell in 2022, a significant milestone that ended a prolonged Canadian drought in the downhill event.

Cam Alexander’s recovery

However, Alexander faced challenges after his Kitzbuhel success, suffering a knee injury during a training run at the world championships that prematurely ended his season. He reports positive progress in his rehabilitation, expressing determination to return to competition at the World Cup event in Copper Mountain, Colorado. “My goal is to be ready for Copper. If for any reason I’m unable to compete, I’ll reassess. I feel optimistic about the upcoming season,” Alexander stated.

Jeff Read, a second-generation member of the national team, has also made his mark by winning a silver medal in super-G at Kvitfjell in 2024. Coming from a skiing legacy—his father was part of the renowned “Crazy Canucks”—Read values the camaraderie among teammates. “We inspire each other to push our limits. Anyone in our group can be the fastest on any given day,” he noted.

Building a legacy

The current Canadian men’s alpine ski team may not yet have a nickname, but they draw inspiration from past teams like the Crazy Canucks and the Canadian Cowboys. Kucera, a former member of the Canadian Cowboys, recognizes the parallels between his coaching experience and the dynamics of the current team. “There are strong similarities with where we were back in the day. We have a core of robust individuals, and there are promising younger talents coming up,” he shared.