Calgary’s Abigail Strate secured her third consecutive medal at the Summer Grand Prix in Wisla, Poland, claiming the bronze in the women’s large hill event. The 24-year-old graphic designer accumulated 231.4 points over her two jumps, expressing some initial nervousness but ultimately satisfied with her performance that landed her on the podium.
Nika Prevc of Slovenia clinched the gold with 247.9 points, while Japan’s Nozomi Maruyama took home the silver with 240.5 points. Another Calgary athlete, Nicole Maurer, finished in 19th place with a score of 156.3 in a competitive field.
Looking ahead to the 2026 Olympic Games, Strate started her Olympic journey with a bronze medal in France and followed it up with her first career summer ski jumping podium. She expressed growing confidence in her jumps and a strong determination to push her limits for future success.
Strate, part of Canada’s bronze medal-winning team in the 2022 mixed-team event, emphasized her commitment to giving her all this season as she aims for peak performance leading up to the 2026 Winter Olympics. Her dedication and focus have led to consistent podium finishes, with her recent success marking her second consecutive streak of three podiums.
Reflecting on her performance, Strate highlighted her intent to maximize her potential and elevate the quality of her jumps. Her approach encompasses a wholehearted effort to achieve her goals and capitalize on her growing confidence in the sport.
With her sights set on continued success, Strate will compete on the HS134 hill in Poland alongside top athletes from around the globe. Her track record of podium finishes, including medals on large hills, underscores her prowess in the sport and her determination to excel in ski jumping.
Ski jumping, a discipline that involves summer competitions on specialized tracks, has been a crucial component of athletes’ development and competitive schedules since its inception. The sport, which features porcelain tracks and water-soaked plastic on grassy slopes, presents unique challenges that require athletes like Strate to continually push themselves to new heights.