Ski jumpers are no strangers to the highs and lows of their sport, and Abi Strate of Canada recently experienced a mix of both during the summer. The 24-year-old athlete from Calgary excelled on the 2025 Summer Grand Prix circuit, achieving five podium finishes, including a victory at the hill set to host the upcoming Olympic Winter Games in Milano-Cortina.
However, her triumphs were overshadowed by a tragic incident when her teammate and friend, Alex Loutitt, suffered a serious knee injury during an Olympic test event in Predazzo, Italy. Strate was devastated by the news, emphasizing the unfortunate timing of the injury just before the Games.
Strate and Loutitt were part of Canada’s historic bronze-winning mixed team at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. Their success continued leading up to Milano-Cortina, with both athletes regularly reaching the World Cup podium. Strate credited their supportive dynamic for their achievements, as they motivated and uplifted each other through the highs and lows of competition.
With Loutitt sidelined due to surgery, Strate faces increased pressure for the upcoming season. She aims to approach the challenges ahead as motivation rather than stress, focusing on enjoying the journey despite the added weight of expectations.
Their coach, Janko Zwitter, praised the camaraderie between Strate and Loutitt, highlighting their ability to support each other despite being competitors. He acknowledged the void left by Loutitt’s absence and the challenge for Strate to carry the team’s success alone.
Strate acknowledged the adjustment of not having her teammate by her side, emphasizing the importance of their friendship and mutual support during training and competitions. She remains determined to build on her recent successes while redefining her goals to prioritize performance over podium placements.
Looking ahead, Strate aims to deliver strong jumps and focus on her performance rather than specific results. By concentrating on achieving her personal best and embracing each jump with dedication, she hopes to have a successful season leading up to the Olympics, regardless of the outcomes.