By Andrew Mitchell
The Canadian Disabled Alpine Ski Team started its competitive
season last weekend at a Europa Cup contest in Pitztal, Germany, where they
faced the top racers from the World Cup.
If the results are any indication, Canada should bring a strong
team to Torino in March.
On Friday, the Canadians earned two medals in the opening
slalom event. Lauren Woolstencroft of Victoria won the silver medal in the
Standing Skiers event, just 0.08 seconds back of the gold medal time.
Blind skier Chris Williamson of Toronto won gold by more than 1.5 seconds.
Of the Whistler skiers, Matthew Hallat was 16
th
among the standing men and Brad Lennea 26
th
in the sitting category.
In the giant slalom the next day Woolstencroft won the bronze
medal. Kimberley Jones of Edmonton claimed silver in the women’s sit-ski
category, and Williamson, along with guide Bobby Taylor, won gold once again.
The last event was a super G. Woolstencroft made it to the
podium once again, adding a gold medal to her collection.
Williamson won a silver medal with his guide, giving the
Canadians seven medals over the three days.
The team will be back in action this weekend in Austria at another Europa Cup event.