Gough narrowly misses podium in final luge World Cup
Vancouver Sun
SIGULDA, Latvia — Canada’s Alex Gough capped a historic luge season with a fourth-place finish at a FIL World Cup event on Sunday.
The Calgary native was third after the opening run and in prime position to earn her sixth medal of the campaign, but a mistake during her second trip down the track caused her to fall out of a podium finish.
Germany’s Tatjana Hufner won the gold medal with a two-run time one minute 24.679 seconds, Russia’s Tatiana Ivanova claimed the silver in 1:24.692 and Germany’s Anke Wischnewski the bronze in 1:25.187. Gough was next at 1:25.210.
“I haven’t had a lot of experience on this track, so I’m happy with my result today,” said the 23-year-old Gough. “I made a couple of small mistakes, I pulled my fastest start of the week on the first run and was relatively consistent today, so I’m satisfied.”
Gough should be more than satisfied with her season.
Earlier this month in Russia, the two-time Olympian became the first Canadian to win a World Cup race and in the process snapped Germany’s 105-race win streak.
She also finished third at the FIL world championships three weeks ago and has three World Cup bronze medals this season.
“It has been an absolutely amazing season,” said Gough. “To start off with the third place finish in Winterberg, and it just built from there. But last week winning the World Cup was incredible. I still don’t know that I really processed it all. I’m so excited, happy and proud of myself for this season.
“I am so looking forward to next season and what may be down the road over the next three years leading to (the Sochi Olympics in 2014),” added Gough. “There is still lots of room to grow and while I am looking forward to a break, I’m definitely motivated to train hard over the summer and be in better shape next winter.”