Weekend recap: Hamel wins two silvers at worlds; Para alpine national champions crowned

OTTAWA – Patience paid off for Sandrine Hamel on Saturday as the St-Sauveur, Que., rider won her second silver medal at the World Para Snowboard Championships, placing second in the snowboard cross.
Hamel, 21, was in the A final against three Dutch women and took second to Lisa Bunschoten.

Due to inclement weather in Pyha, Finland there were plenty of delays during the competition in order to assure the safety of the riders. But Hamel made sure she was ready to chase a second medal after a runner-up finish Wednesday in the banked slalom.

‘’I was prudent because I absolutely wanted to reach the final,’’ said Hamel, a 2018 Paralympian, born with scoliosis. ‘’I was pleased I could manage my energy. I raced with no hesitation in the final.”

Alex Massie of Barrie, Ont., the other Canadian entry, was fourth in the men’s snowboard cross.

Turgeon, Guimond shine at Para alpine nationals

Frédérique Turgeon capped a super season on the weekend with golden performances in the giant slalom and super-G at the Canadian Para alpine national championships which were held in conjunction with the U.S. nationals in Winter Park, Colorado.

Alana Ramsay of Calgary took the women’s slalom while Kurt Oatway capped a great week as well with victories in the GS and slalom men’s sit skiing event. Last week, Oatway also was named Saskatchewan’s male athlete of the year. He won the downhill gold at the 2018 Paralympic Winter Games.

“I couldn’t ask for a better season than this one,’’ said Turgeon, the overall World Cup slalom champion and a triple medallist at the world championships last month. ‘’I was – and still am – very surprised with my results. It’s very promising. I’m proud of how I managed to stay focused and race confidently.”

(With files from Sportcom and Alpine Canada)