Abi Strate, a ski jumper from Canada, had a mix of triumphs and tribulations this summer. The 24-year-old athlete from Calgary excelled on the 2025 Summer Grand Prix circuit, achieving five podium finishes, including a victory on the hill slated for the upcoming Milano-Cortina Olympic Winter Games.
However, her joy was overshadowed by a devastating incident during the Olympic test event in Predazzo, Italy. Strate witnessed her friend and teammate, Alex Loutitt, sustain a severe knee injury during a crash. The news left Strate and the team in disbelief and sorrow, especially as the injury occurred just before the Games.
Strate and Loutitt, part of the historic bronze-medal-winning Canadian ski jumping team at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, had been each other’s pillars of support, propelling each other to success. Strate expressed how their camaraderie and mutual encouragement played a vital role in their achievements leading up to the upcoming Winter Games.
With Loutitt sidelined due to surgery and missing the entire season, Strate acknowledged the increased pressure on her shoulders but aimed to view it as motivation rather than a burden. The absence of her teammate meant Strate had to adapt to a new dynamic as she prepared for the upcoming challenges, starting with the World Cup event in Lillehammer.
Despite the changes, Strate remained focused on her goals, emphasizing the importance of personal performance over results. She aimed to maintain a positive mindset and continue striving for excellence, with her coach emphasizing the significance of focusing on individual improvement rather than external expectations.
As Strate looked ahead to the season, she aimed to deliver strong performances while keeping her sights set on personal growth and satisfaction, regardless of the outcomes. Her determination and resilience in the face of adversity showcased her commitment to the sport and her unwavering pursuit of excellence.
