Canada Wins Silver at Junior Luge World Cup
Ian Cockerline Wins Canada's First Medal of 2000/2001 Season
Ian Cockerline, a 16 year old student at the National Sports School in Calgary, started his first European Junior World Cup career with a trip to the podium claiming the Silver medal for Canada. Competing in the Junior I category, age 17 and under, Cockerline clocked a two-run time of 1:22.095 behind Italy's David Mair (1:21.955) who won Gold. Germany's Andi Graitl won Bronze with a time of 1:22.190. Also in his inaugural Junior World Cup was Calgary's Sam Edney who placed a very respectable 6th in the field of 27 competitors. Edney, age 16, also attends the National Sports School in Calgary.Cockerline's commented after his medal win, "I was in fourth place after my first run so I knew that I had nothing to lose by taking more risks on my second run. It paid off and I'm very happy with the silver."
In Women's Junior I competition, rising star Meaghan Simister got her first ever World Cup race behind with a tenth place overall finish. Simister, who celebrated her 14th birthday by flying to Europe with Canada's Junior National Team, is in just her second year of luge competition. "I was very nervous in my first race but with that behind me now, I really look forward to next weekend's Junior World Cup in Konigssee, Germany."
Junior Men II competition will run on December 3rd in Igls, Austria, with Ryan Paton and Jorgen Krause sliding for Canada in the over age 17 category.
All Canadian athletes noted above are from Calgary unless otherwise noted.Canadian team photos, results and biographical information can be found at www.luge.ca
For more information or if transmission difficulties contact:
Tim Farstad, CLA-OLTC, 403-247-9884 tfarstad@coda.ab.ca
Web site: www.luge.ca