Momentum, expectations grow for Canadian men's alpine ski team

The Canadian men’s alpine ski team has been on a steady rise for the past few seasons, capturing world championship and medals, landing on World Cup podiums, and scoring victory at the famed Kitzbuhel downhill.

John Kucera believes it's only the beginning of what’s possible for the newest generation of uber-talented Canadian ski racers.

The head coach of the men’s alpine team said those achievements have created both momentum and high expectations as the World Cup season begins and preparations continue for the upcoming Winter Olympic Games in Italy.

“We're striving for podium performances. That's where we're putting our bar. We've been very successful at some world championships, you know, multiple World Cup…winners and podium places and results,” Kucera said.

“So, I think when you're going into an Olympic Games with three athletes, for sure, who have stood on a podium already, at least the World Cup level, I mean, you're not going to set your bar lower than that, you know?"

The revival of the Canadian men’s alpine ski program has been led by a trio of skiers that have landed on various podiums the past few seasons: Jack Crawford, Cam Alexander, and Jeff Read.

Crawford won Olympic bronze in the men’s alpine combined at 2022, which was a sign of things to come for the Toronto native. Less than a month later, he took silver in a super-G for the first World Cup podium of his career. The following season he was crowned world champion in the super-G, and last season was highlighted by winning the famed downhill at Kitzbuhel.

Jack Crawford in shock after ending Canada's downhill drought in Kitzbuhel

Crawford’s approach to this jam-packed season is to stay fresh, and success should follow.

“I definitely just want to go out