SESTRIERE, ITA (January 19, 2011) – The Canadian Para-Alpine Ski Team had a successful day at the IPC World Championships, with two athletes finishing on the podium for super combined in Sestriere, ITA.
Ottawa-based Karolina Wisniewska, who classifies in the standing category, finished third place behind France’s Solene Jambaque and Andrea Rothfuss, from Germany, with a two-run combined time of two minutes 25.79.
“I’m actually really happy. After the first run I was fourth but I knew that if I skied well in the slalom race I could make it on the podium,” said Wisniewska who landed on her first IPC World Championship podium since 2004. “Apparently, I skied well enough to be in the top-three. When I got to the finish line I didn’t actually think it was a good enough run, but when I saw my time I realized it was.
“I was under the weather after the downhill so yesterday was a little bit of a challenge physically. I felt way better today and it definitely showed with the results.”
Chris Williamson, of Markham, Ont., and his guide Robin Fémy, from Mont-Tremblant, Que., also finished on the podium in the visually impaired category, with a time of 2:09.29 good enough for third place. They were first after the super-G run this morning but they were unable to keep their lead after the slalom run.
“It was so close, I could smell it,” said Williamson. “I’m a little bit disappointed but I still made it on the podium so I have to be happy about that. I know Rob and I could have won this but I had the brakes on for some reason.”
The veteran on the team added that is was definitely a bitter sweet result.
“I want that gold medal. I said it before and will keep saying it – I always want the gold. Tomorrow will be a little bit of a revenge day for us,” said. “I really wanted to hear that national anthem.”
Josh Dueck, from Vernon, B.C., was agonizingly close to the podium. He was second after the super-G run but made a crucial mistake in the top part of the slalom course that cost him a spot on the podium. He finished in 10th place after the two runs.
In the men’s standing category, Squamish, B.C.- based athlete Matt Hallat finished in 10th place while Kirk Schornstein finished in 13th place.
The Canadian Para-Alpine Ski team will be competing again tomorrow as the slalom race will take place. The race will be broadcasted live on Paralympic Sport TV. To watch follow this link www.paralympic.tv.
SESTRIERE, ITA– JANUARY 19, 2011 - IPC WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS – M & L SUPER COMBINED
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