Canadian ski jumper Taylor Henrich made a little Canadian history on Friday, and can make more over the weekend. Henrich won the qualification round of the ladies World Cup event in Oberstdorf, Germany, becoming the first Canadian woman to achieve the feat. It was also her first taste of World Cup action this year.
The 19-year-old Calgary native now has two opportunities to earn Canada’s first-ever World Cup medal on the women’s side if she places in the top three on Saturday or Sunday.
Fresh off gold and silver results at the Continental Cup event in Falun, Sweden, Henrich’s performance on Friday should give her plenty of confidence heading into the weekend.
“Taylor is jumping very well right now. This is the strongest field of the year and she’s right in the mix for a result for Canada,” said Team Canada head coach Gregor Linsig.
Calgary ski jumpers Alexandra Pretorius and Atsuko Tanaka are the only woman to win on the Grand Prix circuit for Canada.
Pretorius is a two-time gold medallist, while Tanaka won bronze in 2013.