ALPINE:

Williamson's injury foils gold-medal bid in GS

Jan. 22, 2011 — Alpine Canada  

SESTRIERE, Italy — The day started on a positive note for Christopher Williamson and guide Robin Fébin, who were second by only 0.06 seconds after the first run of the giant slalom Saturday in the men's visually impaired category at the IPC World Championships. They were confident they had what it took to beat Spain's Yon Santacana and his guide in the second run and claim gold.

But Williamson made a costly mistake during his warm-up run and crashed, leaving him with a dislocated and broken wrist.

"When Chris fell, he dislocated and fractured his left wrist. He also suffered other injuries, but we are still waiting to know the nature of them," said Canadian Para-Alpine Team doctor Warren Thirsk from the hospital in Torino where Williamson is being treated. "He has been admitted for tests and observation and is in good hands with all the medical staff on deck."

Williamson will not return to competitive skiing this season.

"It's heartbreaking," said Fémy, who has been guiding Williamson since last April. "He was so close to the top of the podium and right before the second run he got injured. I'm sad for him and hopefully he will have a speedy recovery."

Kirk Schornstein had another top 15 today as he finished 14th. Schornstein was consistent and impressive throughout his first IPC World Championships this past week.

Competing in the men's standing category, he finished in the top 15 four times, with a 12th-place finish in downhill and a 13th place in super-G and super-combined.

"We are all very happy with Kirk's consistent performances at this race series. He has made some big improvements from his debut season on the international circuit last year and is definitely closing the gap on the leaders," said Brianne Law, CPAST athletic director.

"It is encouraging to see such results at such a young age, and we are looking forward to continuing to work on all aspects of Kirk's skiing and conditioning," added Law.

Josh Dueck finished in fifth place in the men's sitting category.

In the women's standing category, Karolina Wisniewska finished in sixth place.  S-Magazine