Kitzbühel, Austria - The 2024 Kitzbühel World Cup Downhill Race was eventful, witnessing both triumph and calamity among its skiers. One of the standout moments came when Canadian skier James Crawford triumphed, ending his country's 42-year wait for victory on the famed Streif course.
On Saturday, Crawford claimed this monumental win by completing the run with remarkable speed, bumping Alexis Monney from the leader's position by just 0.08 seconds. Wearing bib No. 20, Crawford faced the pressure of hundreds of spectators, including about 45,000 fans lined up to watch the classic race.
“It’s definitely amazing. It’s been a dream of mine to win the classics,” Crawford said after his historic performance. He felt the energy from his teammate Cameron Alexander, who secured third place. Crawford noted, “To see him pushing and skiing at the top, it kind of fired me up. I was like: ‘I know I can beat this guy, so let’s bring it today.'”
Crawford's win stands out not only as personal achievement but also as pivotal for the Canadian ski team, marking the conclusion of what some may refer to as the Long National Drought since Todd Brooker last won the downhill event back in 1983.
Equally, the stakes of alpine racing were evident when French skier Alexis Pinturault crashed during the super-G event last week, suffering notable injuries. Examinations revealed Pinturault sustained fractures to the knee and severe damage to the meniscus, sidelining him for the season.
Pinturault, the 2021 World Cup overall champion, shared his dismay on social media, stating, “Difficult to understand, to analyze, to accept... I now need time to see things more clearly...” Notably, this injury has led to speculation on whether this veteran skier will retire from the sport, as it follows his return at the season's start after recovering from knee ligament surgery.
Witnesses described the incident as particularly harrowing—Pinturault crashed at speeds hitting roughly 125 km/h and had to be transported by helicopter from the scene. His wife and young daughter awaited him at the finish line, tragically witnessing his fall. The French ski federation confirmed he will need about six weeks of rehabilitation before considering any return to competitive skiing, with the season concluding at the end of March with the World Cup finals set for Sun Valley, Idaho.
The unfortunate series of crashes didn’t stop with Pinturault. The competitive nature of alpine racing was starkly displayed with incidents involving other racers, highlighting the inherent risks associated with such high-speed events. Olympic champion Sofia Goggia also faced severe repercussions from her race, indicating the event’s growing tension.
Crawford's win and Pinturault's misfortune cast contrasting shadows over the season's dynamics. With the recent accomplishments, Canadian alpine skiing may be experiencing a resurgence, characterized by the podium finish from Crawford and Alexander—a sight not seen since Jin Hudec won bronze and Erik Guay followed him on the podium back in February 2012.
The upcoming world championships at Saalbach-Hinterglemm provide another platform for racers and may serve as a new chapter for both Crawford and Alexander as they compete against the best globally. Both skiers possess the credentials to repeat their successes on this larger stage.
Marco Odermatt, who faced his own challenges with finishing sixth, remarked on the emotional toll and expectations of racing at Kitzbühel, stating, “It was solid, not the best.” This reference speaks to the competitive pressures faced not only by new winners like Crawford but also seasoned champions.”
The race concluded with hopes for future successes overshadowed by concern for athletes’ well-being after serious injuries. The Hahnenkamm races, celebrated for their thrill and peril, undeniably showcase the incredible courage and resilience of elite athletes locked in fierce competition.
Racers who have earned world and Olympic accolades tackle the Streif course knowing full well the hazards inherent, reminding fans and competitors alike of the inherent risk of ski racing. The captivating drama witnessed at this year’s Kitzbühel World Cup pits the beauty of sport against the grim realities faced by elite skiers.