Oberstdorf, GER.-Beckie Scott’s podium streak came to an end at six on Sunday, but she didn’t go down without a fight in Oberstdorf, Germany.
The Olympic champion, who has taken the world by storm in World Cup cross-country skiing this year, finished fifth in the women’s sprint.
“I didn’t have a very good qualification run, but I managed to squeak into the top-30,” said Scott, who qualified in 21st spot. “It was very difficult waxing conditions with warm temperatures and new snow, so it was pretty stressful all day trying to get the right wax. After the qualifier I just told myself not to waste the opportunity, and I am happy with a fifth place result today.”
Scott and two other Canadian women, Sara Renner and Chandra Crawford, both from Canmore, Alta., marched their way through the heats with the 30 best cross-country ski athletes in the world. The Canadian women had little trouble until the semi-final heat when their bid for another sprint podium came up short. While Renner, who settled for ninth spot, was knocked out of the running, Scott and 22-year-old World Cup rookie, Crawford, were relegated to the B final. Scott won the B final and finished fifth, while Crawford finished eighth for her best ever World Cup finish.
“I had a really calm vibe today from watching and being around Beckie and Sara, which I normally don’t have at a World Cup,” said Crawford, whose previous best finish was 10th at a World Cup in Canada in December. “I just thought about skiing today, and was able to tune the crowd, cameras and everything else out. It was a really fun day, and I know I can still improve a lot.”
Complete Results: http://www.fis-ski.com/uk/604/1228.html?event_id=17228&cal_suchsector=CC
Top-4 Women’s Results:
1. Ella Gjoemle, NOR; 2. Lina Andersson, SWE; 3. Guro Stroem Solli, NOR; 4. Justyna Kowalczyk, POL.
Canadian Results:
5. Beckie Scott, Vermilion, Alta., CAN; 8. Chandra Crawford, Canmore, Alta., CAN; 9. Sara Renner, Canmore, Alta., CAN.
Source: Cross Country Canada
