James Crawford Claims Maiden World Cup Victory in Kitzbühel Downhill

KITZBÜHEL, Austria — Canada’s James Crawford secured his first World Cup victory on Saturday, triumphing in the prestigious Kitzbühel downhill on the iconic Streif course. The 26-year-old skier clocked a blistering time of 1 minute 53.64 seconds, edging out Switzerland’s Alexis Monney by 0.08 seconds, with fellow Canadian Cameron Alexander rounding out the podium.

Crawford, who previously won world super-G gold in 2023 and Olympic combined bronze in 2022, delivered a near-flawless run on the 3.3-kilometer course, known for its steep gradients and technical challenges. “Nothing ventured, nothing gained! Amazing stuff, supreme excellence!” exclaimed the slopeside commentator as Crawford crossed the finish line to the roar of tens of thousands of spectators.

The victory, worth €100,000 ($104,800), marks a career highlight for Crawford, who had only four podium finishes in seven seasons prior to this win. “Canadian cowboys! Oh my word, incredible run by Crawford, he’s the man to beat!” the commentator added, capturing the excitement of the moment.

Switzerland’s Marco Odermatt, the current leader in the overall and downhill standings, finished sixth, 0.55 seconds behind Crawford. The race was tightly contested, with just 0.8 seconds separating the top 13 skiers.

The Streif course, with its 85% gradients and 80-meter jumps, is widely regarded as one of the most challenging in alpine skiing. Racers reach speeds of up to 140 km/h, battling extreme centrifugal forces and icy conditions. The course’s vertiginous start propels skiers to 100 km/h in just five seconds, making it a true test of skill and nerve.

Victory in Kitzbühel is often compared to winning at Wimbledon or the Monaco Grand Prix, cementing its status as the holy grail of alpine skiing. The event attracts a diverse crowd, from champagne-sipping celebrities to young locals celebrating a rite of passage. Among the spectators on Saturday were former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Swedish football legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

“This is amazing, it feels like a home stadium,” said Ibrahimovic, who enjoyed a storied career with clubs like Ajax, Juventus, and Manchester United. “I wish I was a skier, but I can’t ski!”

The race was notably free of the serious crashes that marred Friday’s super-G, which saw French veteran Alexis Pinturault among three skiers evacuated by helicopter with injuries. Despite the high stakes and intense competition, Crawford’s victory was a celebration of skill and precision on one of skiing’s most demanding stages.