KANGWON LAND (February 27, 2009) – It was a fantastic day for the Canadian Para-Alpine ski team today as Silver Star's Josh Dueck won the IPC World Championships downhill event in Kangwon Land, Korea, in the very competitive men’s sit-skier category. Dueck's victory is Canada's first in the downhill at World Championship's since 2000, when Daniel Wesley won in Switzerland.

“My goal was to have fun today and that is just what I did," said an elated Dueck. "This is a big moment for me - it's like an epic day of powder with friends ~ times 10. I love to ski and have made many sacrifices to be here. The fruition of this dream is oh so sweet."


Dueck said this victory belongs to more than just himself. “The best part of today is that I was not alone ~ the team came alive with excitement and I know that back home my friends were cheering loud for me. A friend once told me that when I go fast it's not the wind that I hear - but all my friends at home cheering for me. Well friends, today is for us,” added Dueck.

Silver Star general manager Michael Sherwood said Josh's victory was met with some loud cheers at the resort.

“We are so proud of Josh, noted Sherwood. “His commitment, perseverance, sacrifice, and positive outlook have allowed him to accomplish his goals. Josh is an inspiration to all those that know him. Of greater significance, is the inspiration of his journey to all those that don't know him but may have similar challenges or obstacles to overcome to pursue their dreams. It is this spirit that shines through Josh into all of us.”

Kimberly Joines of Rossland, B.C. was also crowned World Champion in the downhill. This is Joines second World title for these 2009 World Championships; she won her first career title in the super G earlier this week. It is also Joines third medal for these events and a career total of four as she won a bronze medal in the 2004 IPC World Champions in Wildschönau, AUT.

Lauren Woolstencroft of North Vancouver, B.C. was the third Canadian to be covered in gold in today’s downhill. Woolstencroft, who competes in the ladies standing category won her fourth 2009 IPC World Champion title today in Kangwon Land, KOR which makes it her eighth career win in total counting the 2000 and 2004 World Championships.

“I am very happy with my results during the World Championships. Winning four gold medals was more than I ever expected. Having a downhill race on two days was exciting and mentally demanding but I think I did very well. It’s a great feeling to be Canadian today with all the success the athletes on our team had,” said Woolstencroft on her overall performance.

Viviane Forest (Edmonton, AB), along with guide Lindsay Debou (Whistler, BC) who competes in the ladies visually impaired category finished second behind Henrieta Farkasova from Slovakia. Forest is the only member of the Canadian Para-Alpine team to win a medal in every event during this event; this is her fourth silver medal and she won the super combined.

Chris Williamson (Markham, ON) along with his guide Nick Brush (Panorama, BC) finished with the third fastest time in the men’s visually impaired category. They were 0.05 seconds behind the German Gerd Gradwohl who won the World Champion title. This is Williamson’s third medal in the 2009 IPC World Championships.

The CPAST team met and exceeded their objective of winning 15 medals, with a total of 16 medals throughout the course of the five events. Of those 15 medals, nine were World Champion titles. Canada is the nation that won the most medals, as the Austrians, who are second in the standing, won 12. Canada also won the gold medal standing ahead of Germany (5 gold medals).

“I am very proud of our athletes because it proves that they can perform on demand when the pressure is on. We had a couple of difficult days here in Kangwon Land, but it’s amazing how both the staff and the athletes helped to turn everything around and finish this way on a course that we set,” said Jean-Sébastien Labrie CPAST head coach. “Today was a nearly perfect day, we couldn’t ask for more. The performances and the team spirit were awesome.”

The next stop for the Canadian Para-Alpine Ski team will be in Whistler, BC for the World Cup Finals March 11 to 14.