Calgary’s Abigail Strate earns back-to-back World Cup ski jumping silver medals
Posted Jan 25, 2026 11:24 am.
Calgary’s Abigail Strate has won back-to-back silver medals for Canada at the Ski Jumping World Cup in Sapporo, Japan, collecting three medals on her way to the 2026 Winter Olympics.
The 24-year-old Canuck finished with 129.2 points in the large hill event on Sunday, which was reduced to a single round with no qualification due to snow and challenging windy weather conditions, Ski Jumping Canada said.
“It was definitely an interesting competition,” Strate said, who also got an official nod to join the Olympic Winter Games team for a second time earlier this week.
“It was dumping snow, and the wind really picked up toward the end. I had a strong jump, even though I was a bit frustrated with the landing. Everyone was struggling with the conditions, but technically, my jump was solid. I stayed calm and focused, which made the difference.”
This comes after Strate, a certified beekeeper and graphic designer, claimed bronze at the normal hill event in Zao, Japan, on Wednesday, and silver at the women’s large hill event Saturday. This was her fifth podium finish during this World Cup season and the 10th of her career.
She said Saturday that medaling in Sapporo was a great achievement because she always struggled with it.
“I really went for it and gave everything I had,” Strate said Sunday. “To finish the Japan block with three podiums is incredibly satisfying.
“This has been the best experience I’ve had in Japan, and I feel like I’m in a perfect place heading into the final training and recovery period before the Games. The energy with the coaches is really good, and I’m excited for what’s ahead.”
Slovenia’s Nika Prevc won gold with 134.5 points, while Norway’s Heidi Traaserud took bronze at 124.6 points. Ski jumping results are determined by a combination of distance and style points.
Canada’s Nicole Maurer, also from Calgary, finished 35th in the Sapporo competition.
Strate captured silver medals on the big hill in Lillehammer, Norway, and in Poland. The women’s large hill event will make its Olympic debut at the 2026 Winter Games.
Her breakout year had podium finishes in all five events she entered during the summer Grand Prix season, including victories in Courchevel, France, and at the 2026 Olympic venue in Val di Fiemme, Italy.
