Ski Jumper Alex Loutitt Lands Shy of Podium in Fourth at World Cup in Oslo
OSLO, Nor.—Alex Loutitt came one place shy of the World Cup podium to open the prestigious Raw Air ski jumping competition in Oslo, Norway on Saturday.
The Raw Air event tests the world’s top leapers over two World Cup events in Oslo and Trondheim before the top-15 take on a ski flying hill in Vikersund to become the overall winner.
A 2022 Olympic medallist, Loutitt was fourth in the first large hill challenge in Oslo. The 20-year-old posted a score of 103.5 points in difficult conditions. The event was shortened to one round due to high winds.
“That was really challenging today, especially for our team who hasn’t had that much experience with tricky situations like this,” said Janko Zwitter, head coach, Canadian Ski Jumping Team. “You really have to rely on your own technical skills and trust your staff and the jury running the competition in conditions like this. We have been struggling with our performance a bit in the last few days, so we tried to make a plan that would work out well for us.”
The Calgary-born adrenaline seeker Loutitt covered 124 metres in her lone flight which was the second furthest distance on the day. She finished 1.5 points off the podium because jumps are scored on both distance and style.
Norway’s Silje Opseth took top spot on her home hill with a totoall of 109.3 points. Germany’s Katharina Schmid was second at 106.0. Eirin Maria Kvandal, also of Norway, racked up 105.0 points to edge out Loutitt for the final spot on the podium.
Two other Calgarians – Abigail Strate and Nicole Maurer – who have both relocated to Slovenia with Loutitt to take advantage of world-leading coaching and facilities, also suited up on Saturday.
Strate, who has three World Cup podiums this season, placed 33rd in her return to the elite circuit after recovering from an injury. Strate posted 61.6 points. Maurer was 40th at 38.4 points.
“Abi and Nicole are trying really hard and I am confident the results will be better tomorrow,” added Zwitter. “The key to success in the Raw Air is consistency and smart recovery so that you can be sure being competitive throughout the whole game. That is what our focus will be on.”
It has been a dream season for Loutitt, Strate, Maurer and their Canadian mates who have combined to win nine medals. Six of those medals have come from Loutitt who sits fourth in the individual women’s World Cup Standings. Loutitt has also chalked up four, fourth-place finishes during the 2023-24 season.
Team Canada sits sixth in the Nations Cup Standings.
The World Cup continues Sunday in Oslo with another competition slated on the large hill.
Complete Women’s World Cup Results (Large Hill) – Oslo, Norway
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.
