Sat Jan 25 18:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Canadian Crawford Shocks Kitzbühel, Ends 42-Year Drough in Prestigious Downhill Race
**KITZBÜHEL, Austria** – Jack Crawford etched his name into Alpine skiing history Saturday, capturing a stunning victory in the Hahnenkamm downhill, the most prestigious race on the World Cup circuit. The win marks the first time a Canadian has triumphed in Kitzbühel in 42 years, breaking a European dominance that spanned 24 races.
Crawford, the 2023 World super-G champion, edged out Swiss skier Alexis Monney by a mere eight hundredths of a second, skiing a breathtaking run from bib number 20. Fellow Canadian Cameron Alexander completed the podium with a third-place finish, marking the first time two Canadians shared a men’s Alpine World Cup podium since 2012.
“It’s just a huge milestone,” an elated Crawford told Swiss broadcaster SRF. “Everybody dreams of winning this race as a downhiller.” The 27-year-old, who previously won bronze at the 2022 Olympics in the combined event, had been without a World Cup victory prior to this momentous win.
Crawford’s victory evokes memories of Canada’s “Crazy Canucks” era of the early 1980s, when Ken Read (present at the race), Steve Podborski, and Todd Brooker dominated the Kitzbühel downhill. Crawford acknowledged Read’s influence on his career, stating, “A lot of those guys from back in the day, Ken Read has been a huge part in my bringing up in skiing.”
The race also drew notable spectators, including Arnold Schwarzenegger and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Kitzbühel World Cup continues Sunday with a men’s slalom.
Meanwhile, on the women’s World Cup circuit in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, Federica Brignone secured a thrilling downhill victory, beating Sofia Goggia by one hundredth of a second. Veteran Lindsey Vonn, competing in her comeback season, unfortunately did not finish the race. Vonn is scheduled for one final race before the World Championships.
First Piper 