VILLACH, Aut.— Canada’s Abigail Strate backed up her first World Cup ski jumping victory with two top five finishes this week in Villach, Austria.
The 24-year-old Strate, who flew into the New Year by winning gold in the large hill in Oberstdorf, Germany, has been a model of consistency, flying with the world’s best while piling up distance and style points.
That continued over the last two days with fourth- and fifth place finishes in normal hill jumping in Villach, Austria. The colourful Calgarian was fifth on Tuesday with a total of 230.6 points.
“It’s nice to be consistent and close. I had pretty high expectations after winning in Oberstdorf,” said Strate. “To be fourth and fifth, I am a little bit disappointed but it’s good to have coaches and teammates to keep my feet on the ground and my head in check.”
Strate finished just 10.3 points off the podium after covering distances of 90.5 and 91 metres en route to landing in fifth on Tuesday.
Slovenia’s Nika Prevc took the gold medal with a total of 248.7 points. Austria’s Lisa Eder was second at 248.1 points. Germany’s Agnes Reisch locked up third spot with 240.9 points.
Strate, a 2022 Olympic medallist, finished just one point off the podium in Monday’s normal hill competition, placing fourth with 233.4 points.
Calgary’s Nicole Maurer placed 36th on Monday but did not advance to finals on Tuesday after qualifying 53rd. Natalie Eilers, also of Calgary, did not qualify for the final rounds.
Flying to eight career World Cup winter podiums, Strate also has back-to-back silvers earlier this season.
“I’m going to take a little break right now from the next two competitions to focus on training to get me in tip top shape and set me up for success in Italy,” added Strate. “But I’m happy with the week and the consistency.”
The talented graphic designer has been on quite a flight path that began with a standout summer on the Grand Prix circuit. Nicknamed “Bee” on the World Cup circuit, the certified beekeeper finished on the podium in all five Grand Prix events she entered, including victories in Courchevel, France, and at the 2026 Olympic venue in Val di Fiemme, Italy.
Complete World Cup Ski Jumping Results
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.
