ALPINE:

McLeish 14th as world juniors wrap up with women's super-G

Feb. 5, 2011 — Alpine Canada  

CRANS MONTANA, Switzerland — As the FIS World Junior Championships wrapped up Saturday with the women's super-G, Team Canada placed two athletes in the top 20.

The fastest Canadian was Canmore's Madison McLeish, who finished in 14th place by crossing the finish line with a time of 1 minute, 29. 95 seconds. This is McLeish's best result during these World Championships.

"My run was OK but I was hoping for a little bit more out of it. I've been thinking of this super-G since the downhill. For the amount of speed training I did this season though I have to be happy with this result," said McLeish.

McLeish, who still has another year to qualify as a junior is confident these championships brought her the experience she needs.

"This is something I can definitely build on for next year. I'm going to come back stronger and more confident and I'll be ready to perform," said the 18-year-old.

"The most important thing I take from this experience is that we are not far back from the girls on the podium, there is not much missing and I will try to close the gap even more next year," added a confident McLeish.

The fastest girl on the track was Italian Elena Curtoni, who finished in a time of 1:28.23. Curtoni has qualified for the FIS World Championships starting next week in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, in the super-G and super-combined event.

Second place went to Switzerland's Jasmin Rothmund, as she clocked in at 1:28.53. The podium was rounded out by Cornelia Huetter from Austria, who finished with a time of 1:28.90.

The second Canadian girl to finish was Madison Irwin from Toronto, Ont., who was ranked in 17th position with a time of 1:3053. Irwin's best result this week was a 10th place in the giant slalom event.

"I'm bummed," said Irwin. "I was envisioning something way better. This was a fun course and track though but I caught an outside edge and I almost lost control but managed to regain it. It really spooked me and it took me a while to get my focus back in the race."

Julia Roth from Waterloo, Ont., was not able to finish the race, although she was feeling like she had an amazing race until she missed a gate.

Sarah Freeman from Pincher Creek, Alta., was also not able to finish her race.

"Obviously, it's hard not to enjoy yourself when the weather is so great. But I think the whole team came together and had a great team spirit even with the men's team. The coaches did an amazing job and the volunteers who were working for the event were great," said Irwin.

Canada finished in seventh place in the Marc Hodler Trophy standing overall for these World Junior Alpine Ski Championships.

The women's team is going back to Canada for a few days and will then head to Aspen, Colo., for a  Nor-Am Cup.  S-Magazine