ARTA TERME, ITA (January 11, 2011) – As the IPC World Cup season wrapped up today in Arta Terme, ITA the Canadian Para-Alpine Ski Team reached another landmark as Markham, Ont., based athlete Chris Williamson claimed his 100th career IPC podium.
Williamson, along with his guide Robin Fémy, of Mont-Tremblant, QC, finished in a two-run combined time of one minute, 54.98 seconds.
“This is pretty amazing. It means I have been around for a long time,” said a chuckling Williamson from his hotel in Arta Terme. “I knew that I could reach it at the beginning of the season but I also knew that it would be difficult with only four World Cup races this season.
“I won’t lie, what I really wanted was the Overall Crystal Globe, but I finished second. Now I am focused on the downhill event at the World Championships in Sestriere next week. I finished third in 2009 in Korea and I am hungry for more. I want that gold in downhill.”
Williamson is a three-time Paralympic medalist, winning slalom gold in the men’s visually impaired category in 2002 in Salt Lake City, USA, and another two medals in 2006 at Turin. At the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games in Whistler, B.C., Williamson finished fourth twice, missing out on a medal in giant slalom by a mere 0,4s.
Williamson has won eight IPC Crystal Globes and seven IPC World Championships medals, including one gold, in his storied ski racing career.
“I would have to say I’ve had a pretty spectacular career. I’m lucky to have been able to podium constantly year after year. Not everyone can say that much in the sport of alpine skiing. At this point, the highlight of my career was definitely winning that gold medal at the Paralympics in Salt Lake City,” said Williamson.
In the ladies standing category, Karolina Wisniewska, Ottawa, Ont., finished third for the fourth consecutive time in as many races in today’s slalom event. She finished third in the overall ranking as well.
In the men’s standing category, Morgan Perrin from Whistler, B.C., finished 11th which marks his best career result in a slalom event. Kirk Schornstein, Edmonton, Alta., followed closely in 12th place.
Matt Hallat, from Whistler, B.C., and Vernon, B.C.- based athlete Josh Dueck were not able to finish the race.
“All of the staff is very pleased with the results from everyone during these recent World Cup races. Our team is smaller this season, and we unfortunately don’t have the same depth we had in the past years due to injuries and retirements but everyone skied to their best at some point here in Arte Terme, and we have seen some skiing we are happy with.” said Brianne Law, Athletic Director for CPAST.
“We are very proud of all the success Chris had had over the years and he has definitely made his mark in the world of Para-Alpine skiing. We are looking forward to the World Championships and will be looking to collect a few more podiums there as well,” added Law.
The CPAST athletes are on their way to Sestriere, ITA for the 2011 IPC World Para-Alpine Ski Championships that will start on January 16 with a downhill event.
ARTA TERME, ITA– JANUARY 11, 2011 - IPC WORLD CUP – M & L SLALOM
ARTA TERME, ITA– JANUARY 10, 2011 - IPC WORLD CUP – M & L SLALOM
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