Canadian ski jumper Abigail Strate clinched her second World Cup medal in Sapporo, Japan, earning a silver on Sunday. The challenging weather conditions led to the large hill competition being condensed to a single round without any qualifying runs. Strate managed to jump 128.5 meters, accumulating 129.2 points.
Nika Prevc from Slovakia secured the top spot with a jump of 134.5 meters, while Heidi Dyhre Traaserud from Norway claimed the third position with a jump of 124.6 meters. Strate described the competition as unique due to heavy snowfall and increasing winds towards the end. Despite some frustration with the landing, she expressed satisfaction with her technically strong jump, emphasizing her calm and focused approach as a key factor.
This marked Strate’s second consecutive silver win in the large hill event, following Prevc’s lead. The 24-year-old athlete has now medaled in three consecutive World Cup competitions, including a bronze in the normal hill event earlier in the week.
Reflecting on her performance, Strate expressed her determination and satisfaction with achieving podium finishes in all three events, highlighting her positive experience in Japan. She credited the coaches’ support and expressed excitement for the upcoming training and recovery phase leading to the Games.
The skier shared her enthusiasm and goals for the future, looking forward to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina. This successful streak has positioned Strate as a promising figure in Canadian ski jumping, garnering attention and support as she gears up for future competitions.