Ski jumpers are no strangers to the highs and lows of their sport. Abi Strate, a 24-year-old athlete from Calgary, had a remarkable summer in 2025, achieving five podium finishes, including a victory at the hill set to host the upcoming Olympic Winter Games in Milano-Cortina. However, her joy was overshadowed by the unfortunate injury of her friend and teammate, Alex Loutitt, during a test event in Italy.
The news of Loutitt’s knee injury came as a shock to the team, leaving Strate heartbroken for her friend. Strate and Loutitt, part of Canada’s bronze-winning mixed team at the Beijing Olympics in 2022, had been each other’s pillars of support, propelling each other to success in competitions.
With Loutitt sidelined due to surgery, Strate now faces the upcoming season with added pressure but sees it as a source of motivation rather than stress. The absence of her teammate means Strate will have to carry the weight of expectations alone, a challenge she is prepared to face.
Canadian team coach Janko Zwitter praised the camaraderie between Strate and Loutitt, highlighting their supportive relationship despite being competitors. Strate acknowledges the adjustment she will have to make without Loutitt by her side, emphasizing the importance of their partnership in her performance.
Looking ahead, Strate aims to focus on her jumping technique and performance rather than fixating on podium finishes. Zwitter believes that by concentrating on her personal best, Strate can achieve success in the upcoming season. Strate echoes this sentiment, expressing her desire to excel in her jumps and leave everything on the table, regardless of the outcome.
As she prepares for the winter season’s first World Cup event in Lillehammer, Strate remains determined to continue her journey, drawing strength from the support system she and Loutitt had built and looking forward to their future collaborations.