McIvor Triumphs in First-Ever Olympic Women’s Ski Cross

Enlarge Photo

Photo by: AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill

The heavy favorite in the inaugural women’s ski cross didn’t let her country down. The defending 2009 world champion, Canadian Ashleigh McIvor, took home gold yesterday in front of cheering crowds at Cypress Mountain. Hedda Berntsen of Norway won silver, followed by France’s Marion Josserand with bronze.

Despite blizzard-like conditions, stands at the finish line were packed with fans. Like its cousin, snowboard cross, ski cross features four racers competing against each other to reach the finish line first; it’s a fast-paced, extreme sport and a crowd favorite.

McIvor took an early lead out of the gate and remained in front for the entire race.

I was just so proud of myself to come here ready to race," McIvor said in an interview with CTV. " I felt like there was nothing more I could have done to be better equipped to have come here — and it worked out, and I can't believe it!"

Ashleigh McIvor competes in ski cross final