Brighton’s Hallie Clarke has made skeleton racing history, becoming the first athlete to win both senior and junior world titles.
According to the Canadian Press, the 20-year-old from Brighton claimed the junior world championship on Saturday, a year after winning the senior title at age 19 in Winterberg, Germany. Her historic sweep was completed on the natural ice track in St. Moritz, where Clarke posted the fastest times in both heats, finishing with a combined 2:19.46.
“My goal for this quadrennial was to be a junior champion, but to have both titles is extra special,” Clarke said. “It’s funny that I won them backwards, but last year’s senior championship taught me so much.”
Clarke credited her experience racing the world cup on the same track last week for her victory.
“The extra time sliding here allowed me to really dial things in,” she said.
Switzerland’s Sara Schmied finished second in 2:20.34, while Belgium’s Aline Pelckmans took bronze with 2:20.40.
Clarke’s parents were in the crowd to witness her achievement.
“Sliding in St. Moritz is magical,” she said. “Even on a bad run, the view is beautiful, and the track is so smooth. I found my love of sliding again here.”
Clarke is one of only five Canadians, and just two women, to win a senior skeleton world title. With her confidence soaring, she now turns her focus to the senior world championships and upcoming world cup races.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
