Whistler skier qualifies for second run in Italy
Things continue to be slow for the Canadian Alpine Ski Team at the events leading up to the Olympics, with the best finish being Allison Forsyth’s 10 th place in the giant slalom at Cortina D’Ampezzo, Italy.
Genevieive Simard was solid once again, finishing in 19 th place, but the spotlight shone brightest on Whistler’s own Britt Janyk, who got the monkey off her back on Sunday by qualifying for a second run in a World Cup competition. This season she has just missed the top 30 cut on several occasions, and was forced to watch the second run of every World Cup race from the sidelines.
Two weeks ago, the 21 year old turned things around by stepping down a level and then twice landing on the podium in Europa Cup races, earning a gold medal, a bronze medal and two more top five finishes in five races.
Feeling better, Janyk easily qualified for a second run in a World Cup race for the first time this season.
"This qualification is building my confidence," she said. "I know that I can do even better, and I’ll take that into the next races.
"I’m glad that it happened here. It’s a technical hill, and tough because it’s long. It has the kind of conditions that I like, demanding conditions. I was able to give my best."
Her result also marked the first time this season that CAST has qualified more than two athletes for a second run in a single race.
"It’s good for each of us to see that we are here as we train together all summer," said Janyk. "It has been better and better for us every race. Last race we were two, and now we’re three."
Forsyth currently sits in fifth place in the giant slalom rankings.
This weekend the women’s team will be in Are, Sweden for downhill, GS and slalom races before heading to the Salt Lake Olympics.
