Kevin Drury’s Ski Cross Career Ends with Crash, Silver Medal

Kopaonik, Serbia – Canadian ski cross racer Kevin Drury’s distinguished career came to an abrupt end on Friday following a crash at a World Cup event in Kopaonik, Serbia. The 37-year-vintage from Toronto secured a silver medal despite sustaining a right leg injury in the incident, marking a bittersweet conclusion to his competitive run.

Collision in the Big Final

The crash occurred in the big final when Germany’s Florian Wilmsmann and Reece Howden of Cultus Lake, B.C., clipped skis while vying for the lead. Wilmsmann’s fall led to a collision involving Drury and Germany’s Tim Hronek, preventing all three from finishing the race.

Silver Medal Despite Injury

Despite the injury, Drury was awarded the silver medal due to his higher qualifying rank compared to Wilmsmann. Drury had qualified third, while Wilmsmann was 11th. Hronek was declared the winner after being the only skier to navigate a key gate cleanly.

Drury Reflects on His Career

Following the race, Drury shared a photo on Instagram of himself in bed with his right leg heavily bandaged, stating, “Not the way I wanted to end my career but I’ll take the podium.” He had previously announced that this season would be his last.

Tributes from Fellow Competitors

Tim Hronek dedicated his victory to Drury, acknowledging his impact on the sport. “It’s very sad, man,” Hronek said. “He’s such a nice skier and I know he will end his career at the end of this season.” Wilmsmann also expressed his well wishes for Drury’s recovery, calling the incident a “racing incident” and hoping for a speedy recovery for the Canadian.

Other Canadian Results

Reece Howden finished fourth after being penalized with a yellow card for a line deviation. Hannah Schmidt of Ottawa placed fourth in the women’s final, while Marielle Thompson of Whistler, B.C., finished fifth after winning the small final. Tiana Gairns of Prince George, B.C., finished 15th.

Drury’s Career Highlights

This silver medal marked the 20th World Cup podium of Drury’s career, achieved in his 120th World Cup start. He had previously secured six World Cup victories, including a win in Val Thorens earlier this season.

Sources: CBC Sports, The Star, Alpine Canada