Abigail Strate, a Canadian ski jumping sensation, is making waves leading up to the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympics. This 24-year-old athlete, who previously helped Canada secure its first ski jumping medal at Beijing 2022, is gearing up for a challenging competition environment.
Abigail Strate’s Journey to the Olympics
Strate is renowned not only for her ski jumping skills but also for her unique connection to beekeeping. A small bee sticker adorns her ski, a reminder of her dual passions. Although she faced challenges due to Olympic uniform regulations, she ensures that her beloved mascot remains close.
Injury and Pressure on the Big Stage
The level of pressure on Strate has heightened since her last Olympic appearance. She now competes without her close friend and teammate, Alexandria Loutitt, who was a strong contender until an injury sidelined her this season. Strate expressed the emotional toll the change has taken, noting that her routine had to be adjusted significantly.
Upcoming Events and Medals
At the Milan Cortina Olympics, Strate aims to shine in the women’s large hill event, a debut event in Olympic history. After finishing 11th in the Normal Hill event, she took to social media to convey her disappointment but emphasized the importance of staying present during competitions.
Connecting Ski Jumping with Beekeeping
Strate’s passion for beekeeping dates back to her teenage years when she learned the craft with her father. They manage two hives at their home in Calgary, a province known for its large beekeeping industry, representing 40% of Canada’s honey bees.
Challenges of Beekeeping
Beekeeping isn’t without its hurdles. In Calgary, fluctuating climates lead to high mortality rates among bee colonies during winter. Strate reflects on the difficulties her family has faced with their hives but remains enthusiastic about the bees, which have become a symbol of her identity in sport.
- Family-owned hives in Calgary.
- Beekeeping challenges due to climate variability.
- Strate’s emotional connection to her bees reflected in her ski jumping gear.
Training Abroad
Due to limited training facilities in Canada, Strate relocated to Slovenia, known for its premier ski jumping sites. This move has allowed her to train closer to top-level competition, essential for her development as an elite athlete.
Despite the personal challenge of training alone, Strate finds solace in her friendship with Loutitt, who continues to support her from the sidelines. The lack of funding for Canadian ski jumping has also added challenges, making her Olympic journey even more crucial.
The Future of Beekeeping and Ski Jumping
After the Winter Olympics, Strate hopes to further explore her passion for beekeeping, particularly focusing on the Carniolan honeybee, indigenous to Slovenia. She envisions deepening her involvement in the local beekeeping culture while assessing her future in both sports and beekeeping.
- Plans to integrate into Slovenian bee culture.
- Aiming for another Olympic cycle.
- Strate’s legacy in both sports and beekeeping is set to continue.
As Abigail Strate continues her journey towards the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympics, she embodies the fusion of athletic excellence and personal passion for beekeeping, making her a remarkable figure in both realms.
