Canadian Skier Upsets Paralympic Champ by 0.04 Seconds

Sometimes winning comes down to fractions of a second and months of perfect preparation. Canadian skier Alexis Guimond just proved both matter when he upset France's Arthur Bauchet, a multiple Paralympic and world champion, by a razor-thin 0.04 seconds at the Para alpine World Cup in Saalbach, Austria.

The 26-year-old from Gatineau, Quebec mastered the 1,801-meter downhill course in 54.91 seconds. Switzerland's Robin Cuche rounded out the podium in third place among 23 competitors.

What makes this victory sweeter is how Guimond learned from Tuesday's race to adjust his tactics. "I was convinced that I could win today," he told reporters. "I knew where I had lost time yesterday, and I adjusted my tactics."

The win marks Guimond's third World Cup victory this season and his seventh time on the podium. His confidence in speed events is building at exactly the right moment as he prepares for what he hopes will be his third Paralympic Winter Games, running March 6-15 in Milano Cortina, Italy.

"I'm feeling really good in the speed events this season. I'm very comfortable during competitions," Guimond said. "It bodes well for what's ahead. I've found a good rhythm."

Why This Inspires

Finding your rhythm after setbacks takes courage and precision. Guimond didn't just shake off a disappointing result from the day before. He studied what went wrong, made specific adjustments, and came back stronger against one of the sport's greatest champions.

His approach shows the power of treating losses as information rather than defeats. That mindset is what separates good athletes from champions preparing to represent their country on the world's biggest stage.

Canada had another reason to celebrate in Saalbach. Mollie Jepsen from West Vancouver claimed bronze in the women's standing downhill, adding to her impressive collection of six medals this season. The Paralympic veteran, who has won six medals over the past two Winter Games, continues proving her consistency matters as much as her speed.

With the Milano Cortina Paralympics just weeks away, Canadian Para alpine skiers are showing they'll arrive ready to compete at the highest level.