Hallie Clarke Slides to Seventh at Skeleton World Cup in China

BEIJING, China.—Canada’s Hallie Clarke had a personal best World Cup finish on the 2022 Olympic Track in Beijing, China after mixing together two solid runs for seventh place.

The 20-year-old clocked a two-run time of 2:05.79 on the challenging 16-corner test known as the Sleeping Dragon.

“All week I have been trying to build on my knowledge from my experience here during the World Cup last year,” said Clarke, who was 15th in Beijing one year ago. “The first run I had some mistakes both at the top and bottom of the track, but I was happy with how ii was able to fix it for run two.”

Sitting in 12th spot after her first blast down the 1,615-metre monster of a track, it all came together for the Brighton, Ont. resident at the top of the hill in the Yanqing district in the final heat.

“I was a personal best start time (5.23), finish time (1:02.47), and speed (127.6 km),” said Clarke. “I’m looking forward to a few days off now before we get back on the track in Alteberg.”

China’s Dan Zhao won the women’s skeleton race with a time of 2:04.27. Germany’s Hannah Neise locked up second spot with a time of 2:04.64. Freya Tarbit, of Great Britain, placed third with a time of 2:04..68.

Two-time Canadian Olympian, Jane Channell, was not able to capitalize on top-six start times in both runs to contend for the medals. The Vancouver resident slid to a combined time of 2:07.26 for 17th place.

Calgary’s Grace Dafoe did not qualify for the second run with the fastest 25 athletes in heat one, placing 31st. Calgary’s Kyle Donsberger was the lone Canadian in the men’s race where he finished 28th.

Germany’s Christopher Grotheer was back on top of the men’s podium with a winning time of 2:01.93.

The world’s fastest head first sliders will now travel to Altenberg, Germany where they will reconnect with their bobsleigh mates for the next stop on the World Cup, December 7-8.

Complete Women’s Skeleton Results:

https://www.ibsf.org/en/result/504761/?cHash=f8f88f461af7cdae1d6095e112f5eab6

Complete Men’s Skeleton Results:

https://www.ibsf.org/en/result/504764/?cHash=2f0ec5fbc87443b4dfafc863added75b

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 – Karbon, Athabasca Oil Corporation in collaboration with Canada Actions I Love Energy, Joe Rocket and Driving Force – along with the Government of Canada, Own the Podium and the Canadian Olympic Committee, Bobsleigh CANADA Skeleton develops champions in the community, on and off the track, who have a passion for bobsleigh and skeleton. Please visit us at www.bobsleighcanadaskeleton.ca.