Canada’s Bobsleigh and Skeleton Athletes Rack Up Nine Medals at North America’s Cup Racing in Whistler

—Canucks combine for three gold, four silver and two bronze— 

WHISTLER, B.C.—Canada’s next generation of bobsleigh and skeletons combined to win nine medals in North America’s Cup bobsleigh and skeleton racing on their home track at the Whistler Sliding Centre this week.

The Canucks blasted to three gold medals in men’s and women’s bobsleigh along with two silver. Canada’s developing skeleton athletes also grabbed a pair of silver and bronze medals. 

“The Whistler Sliding Centre is a medal generating factory for Canada’s sliding sport athletes at all levels,” said Chris Lebihan, high-performance director, Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton. “This legacy facility is not only crucial for introducing more athletes to these unique winter sports in Canada, but is also a critical training and competition venue for our athletes at both the development and elite level.”

Ontario’s Nick Poloniato was perfect in two races this weekend in Whistler. Poloniato, who split time on the development and World Cup circuit last year, bombed his way to gold on Thursday in his two starts – once with Joey Nemet and the other with Cameron Stones on the brakes.

Canada’s bobsleigh women also dominated the podium with Christine Debruin and Alysia Rissling piloting the top-two Canadian sleds to gold and silver respectively on Thursday. Debruin teamed up with Cynthia Appiah, while Rissling had Kasha Lee on her brakes. 

After dumping her sled on Thursday, Julia Corrente bounced back on Friday with Janine McCue to win the silver in women’s bobsleigh.

The trail to the podium continued in women’s skeleton action. Jaclyn Laberge snagged two silver medals, while Mirela Rahneva set a new start record at 4.85 on the Whistler track Friday to claim her second straight bronze medal.

The  top bobsleigh and skeleton athletes on the planet will be back at the Whistler Sliding Centre again this year as the World Cup returns to Canada’s west coast in January. Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton will also play host to the 2019 Bobsleigh and Skeleton World Championships at the 2010 Olympic venue.

Bobsleigh CANADA Skeleton is a non-profit organization and the national governing body for the sports of bobsleigh and skeleton in Canada. With the support of its valued corporate partners –– BMW Canada, Conceptum Sport Logistics – along with the Government of Canada, and Own the Podium. Bobsleigh CANADA Skeleton develops Olympic and world champions. Please visit us at www.bobsleighcanadaskeleton.ca.  

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