Alex Loutitt Soars to Ski Jumping Gold at World Cup in Japan
SAPPORO, Jpn.—Canada’s Alex Loutitt celebrated her second World Cup victory of her career after landing on the top step of the podium on Saturday in Sapporo, Japan.
The 21-year-old ski jumping sensation scored a total of 266.4 points on the large hill to secure her first podium of the season with her parents on-hand to watch.
“I think my parents are my lucky charms. Every time my parents are at an event, I tend to do really well,” said Loutitt, who spends the bulk of her year away from home since facility closures forced Ski Jumping Canada’s national program to relocate to Planica, Slovenia three years ago.
Struggling to find her best this season, the Calgarian found her mojo in Asia. She led the competition by 2.4 points after the opening round with 129.2 points, before securing the win with a stellar second jump of 137.2 points.
“It’s not a secret that I have struggled a lot this season, but coming back to my support system and my team has really helped me get things back together and on the right track,” beamed Loutitt, the reigning senior and junior World Champion who has nine World Cup podium finishes. “It feels good to be back on top.”
One thing is clear. Calgary’s top leaper has found great success flying off ski jumps in Asia. Her first World Cup victory came on the towers in Zao, Japan in 2023. Loutitt, who credits her Nihtat Gwich’in roots for giving her grit, snagged a bronze on the normal hill in Zao last year, one day before celebrating the silver with Canadian comrade, Abi Strate, in the Super Team Event.
Canada’s lady leapers also shocked the world in Beijing 2022 when they won Canada’s first ever Olympic medal in the sport in the mixed team event.
Strate, who successfully balanced her pursuit of excellence in athletics and academics, graduating from graphic design at the Toronto Film School in December, was 19th on Saturday with 213.5 points. Nicole Maurer, an aspiring astronaut from Calgary, was 26th with 180.7 points.
A model of resiliency on and off the field of play throughout their young careers, the three colourful Calgarians have been on a stellar run heading into the pre-Olympic season, flying to historic results and personal best performances including a combined 10 podium finishes last season alone.
The trio of Canadian women will look to add to their medal haul on Sunday with another event set for the large hill in Japan.
Complete Women’s World Cup Results (Large Hill) – Sapporo, Japan
Ski Jumping Canada is the governing federation for ski jumping in Canada. It is responsible for the governance of all ski jumping competitions in Canada and for the operation of the national team. For more information, please visit skijumpingcanada.com.
