Canadian visually impaired skier won IPC World Cup ski race in France

Chris Williamson acknowledged he was pain after suffering an ankle injury Tuesday in preparation for an IPC World Cup ski race Thursday in Queras, France.

But the 35-year-old Markham resident did not let it with his performance in the men’s visually impaired category event as he went on to win the race.

Williamson and his guide, Nick Brush of Vernon, B.C., recorded the fastest first run and won the race with a two-run combined time of 1:43.72.

As last season’s overall men’s champion in the visually impared division, Williamson acknowledged his injury was still bothering him a little during Thursday’s race.

“I’ve been doing physio with our medical staff and that’s been great. It’s coming along, but it still hurts so I have to grin and bear through it,” he said.

Williamson’s triumph was one of four medals Canadian participants earned yesterday.