Alexandria Loutitt, Laurence St-Germain named co-winners of John Semmelink Memorial Award

A pair of Canadian world champions were named co-winners of John Semmelink Memorial Award on Wednesday, with ski jumper Alexandria Loutitt and alpine skier Laurence St-Germain sharing the honours after historic seasons.

The award is bestowed annually by the Canadian Snowsports Association to a Canadian snow sport athlete who best represents the country in international sport with integrity, conduct and ability.

St-Germain upset American Mikaela Shiffrin for slalom gold to secure Canada's record fourth medal at the alpine world championships in Meribel, France. Loutitt joined her as world champion eleven days later with a gold medal in the women's large hill event in Planica, Slovenia.

"I am honoured and thankful to be recognized with this award," St-Germain said in a release. "It means a lot to be recognized for more than skiing, and for qualities like integrity and conduct, values that my parents instilled in our family."

WATCH | St-Germain edges Shiffrin for slalom gold at worlds:

The two-time Olympian from Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges, Que., said she was honoured to share the most prestigious award in Canadian snow sports with Loutitt.

It was a breakout year for Loutitt, who also became the first Canadian woman to win a World Cup ski jumping event in January in a normal hill competition in Zao, Japan. In early February, the 19-year-old Calgarian became the first Canadian woman to win a world junior title in ski jumping in Whistler, B.C.

"It fills me with great pride to be acknowledged not only for my results, but also for my unwavering passion and the recognition of my true character," Loutitt said.

"Being named the co-winner alongside Laurence St. Germain, an extraordinary athlete whom I deeply admire, is a true