On the ninth day of competition at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, athletes from Calgary demonstrated remarkable skill and determination in the women's ski jumping events held at the Predazzo Ski Jumping Stadium in Italy. Battling unpredictable winds and intense pressure, these competitors represented Canada with pride, achieving notable placements in their respective categories.
Abigail Strate's Resilient Performance
Calgary's Abigail Strate, a 24-year-old ski jumper, secured an 11th-place finish in the women's large hill individual event, matching her result from the normal hill competition the previous week. Strate accumulated a total of 243.6 points across two jumps, with distances of 117 and 131.5 meters. Her performance was a testament to her perseverance, especially after facing adverse wind conditions that impacted her flight during the competition round.
Strate, who was part of Canada's bronze-medal winning team at the 2022 Winter Games, expressed mixed emotions about her experience. "Third in the trial round boosted my confidence. I felt good going into the competition round, but I had no chance with the wind conditions," she said. "I got really bad luck. I got in the air and there was no opportunity to fly far. I'm a little disappointed that was taken away from me."
Overcoming Challenges on the Olympic Stage
After an initial flight that placed her 26th, Strate made a dramatic comeback with a strong second jump under more favorable conditions, climbing to 11th overall. Reflecting on her final attempt, she shared, "I felt lighter than I have all Olympics. I wanted to end on a good note and prove to myself that I could do it — and I did. I finished with a smile, looked at my family, and I'm really proud to end like that."
Strate entered these Games in outstanding form, having achieved a breakthrough 2025–26 season with five World Cup podium finishes, four of which were on the large hill. This event marked the Olympic debut of the women's large hill competition, adding historical significance to her participation.
Nicole Maurer's Impressive Olympic Debut
Another Calgarian, Nicole Maurer, continued to make her mark in her first Olympic appearance. The 26-year-old earned her second consecutive top-20 result, finishing 20th in the large hill event with a total of 222.6 points. Maurer recorded jumps of 121.5 and 126 meters, showcasing consistency and potential for future competitions.
Celebrating Women's Ski Jumping Progress
Strate highlighted the growth of women's ski jumping, noting the significance of having two events at the Olympics. "This is a really special moment for all of us," she added. "The women had to fight just to be in the Olympics in 2014, and now we have two events. I'm friends with a lot of these girls – we've grown up together. If you open your eyes and pay attention, you see everyone rise and fall, and you realize we're all human and supportive of each other."
Podium Results and Competition Highlights
The women's large hill event was dominated by Norway's Anna Odine Strøm, who captured her second gold medal of the Games with 284.9 points. Her teammate, Eirin Maria Kvandal, secured the silver medal with 282.7 points, while Slovenia's Nika Prevc claimed bronze with 271.5 points. Ski jumping results are determined by a combination of distance and style points, emphasizing both technical skill and athletic prowess.
The performances of Calgary's athletes at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics underscore their dedication and the supportive community within women's ski jumping. As the Games continue, these competitors serve as inspirations for aspiring athletes in Calgary and beyond, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity and celebrating the progress of their sport on the global stage.
