Within the realm of ski jumping, athletes are accustomed to facing both victories and setbacks. Abi Strate, a 24-year-old ski jumper from Calgary, had a remarkable summer in 2025, achieving notable success on the Summer Grand Prix circuit with five podium finishes, including a triumph at the hill designated for the upcoming Milano-Cortina Olympic Winter Games.
However, her elation was overshadowed by the unfortunate injury suffered by her friend and teammate, Alex Loutitt, during an Olympic test event in Predazzo, Italy.
Recalling the moment, Strate expressed shock and devastation upon learning about Loutitt’s knee injury, especially given its timing right before the Games. The bond between Strate and Loutitt, key members of the bronze-medal-winning Canadian mixed team at the Beijing Winter Olympics in 2022, was instrumental in their success leading up to the upcoming Winter Games in Milano-Cortina.
Strate acknowledged the added pressure on her shoulders in light of Loutitt’s absence due to the injury, emphasizing the need to approach the upcoming season with a positive mindset. The supportive dynamic between the two athletes, despite being competitors, was highlighted by Canadian team head coach Janko Zwitter, who noted the void left by Loutitt’s absence.
As Strate prepares for the new season, she aims to maintain a focus on personal improvement rather than solely on competitive outcomes. Zwitter emphasized the importance of Strate striving for her personal best without fixating on podium finishes, a mindset that is expected to lead to continued success.
Strate remains optimistic about the season ahead, emphasizing her desire to perform well and leave a lasting impact, regardless of the competitive results. The upcoming World Cup event in Lillehammer will mark the beginning of Strate’s journey without her teammate, as she navigates the challenges of competing without the familiar support at the hilltop.