NAKISKA – Canmore’s Kris Mahler is on cloud nine.
The local ski product claimed gold in the ski cross world cup event at Nakiska ski hill in Kananaskis Country on Saturday (Jan. 15).
“I’m just trying to soak it all in – hug my parents, give my teammates a high five,” said Mahler. “It’s a surreal experience it feels great to get this win on home soil.”
The gold medal was the 26-year-old's third podium on the world cup circuit.
Mahler held off Germany’s Florian Wilmsmann and Switzerland’s Ryan Regez, who finished second and third respectively, in a tightly contested four-man final. Reigning Olympic champion Brady Leman of Canada finished fourth.
In the women's race, Sweden’s Sandra Naeslund raced to a second gold medal in as many days.
Canada’s Marielle Thompson and Switzerland’s Fanny Smith rounded out the podium.
Saturday's race was the Canadian ski cross team's final competition ahead of next month's Winter Olympics in Beijing.
