Featured Image: James (Jack) Crawford receiving honorary gondola naming in Hahnenkamm. Credit: KSC/alpinguin
200 guests and close family members came together on July 29th at the Hahnenkamm to celebrate James (Jack) Crawford’s legendary win last season on the Kitzbühel Streif.
The Canadian speed specialist was honored with the naming of a gondola, which is a long-standing tradition that continues the recognition of the awarding victory.
At the event, James Crawford stated, “Words can hardly describe what this means to me.”
The Hahnenkamm downhill in Kitzbühel, Austria, is alpine ski racing’s ultimate challenge. Drawing over 60,000 fans daily, the Streif combines high speeds, technical precision, and daring jumps.
The 28-year-old showed his appreciation for the vigorous hill at the awards by stating, “May the course always stay as icy and intimidating; that’s what makes the Streif so unique. As long as it stays that way, I’ll gladly come back every year and take the risk.”
Reminiscing on the Victorious Day
Crawford went full-throttle on January 25, 2025, achieving his first World Cup win and ending the 42-year, first-place dry spell at the Hahnekamm for the Alpine Canada Alpin team.
Starting bib 20, Crawford attacked the Streif with confidence and determination, balancing on the edge of control through the course’s most punishing sections.
His run was a masterclass in courage and adaptability, finding time where others faltered, particularly in the middle sections. Crossing the finish line 0.08 seconds ahead of Switzerland’s Alexis Monney. His teammate, Cameron Alexander, rounded out the podium (+0.22).
Crawford stated after his win, “Winning my first World Cup on the Streif? It’s surreal. I’ve dreamed of moments like this, but to cross the line and see green—it’s beyond words.”
“It’s been a while since Canada’s had a day like this at Kitzbühel. To stand on the podium with Cameron [Alexander] and bring back that history from the Crazy Canucks days—it’s something I’ll cherish forever,” he continued.
Fans were ecstatic about Crawford’s victory. Ken Read, a legend in alpine ski racing from Canada, stated, “When Jack won last season, it really touched everyone; it was incredible. Everyone throughout the whole country knew he’d done it, and people were talking about it.” He continued, “The clubs were excited, and kids across the country were electrified.”
Ken Read Also Honored at the Gondola Naming Event
The Hahnenkamm event was nearing the end when another surprise for the Canadians was unveiled.
Read, the 1980 Streif winner, was also honored with his own gondola. Although the gondola named after him has been circulating since 1996, the 69-year-old has only now received the official recognition.
After his win in Kitz, Crawford reflected, “Guys like Ken Read and Todd Brooker paved the way, and I’m proud to carry that legacy forward.”
Crawford and Read getting honored together showed the true depth and history of the Canadian alpine speed team.
After receiving his surprise recognition at the event, Ken Read stated, “This shows the power of working together as a team.” He continued, “It’s great to see that this group is doing the same thing and may even do it better.”
Some information sourced from hahnenkamm.com
About the Author: Ellie Hartman
