WINTERBERG, Germany – Canada’s Hallie Clarke was the leader at the halfway point of the women’s skeleton competition at the bobsleigh and skeleton world championships.
The 19-year-old from Brighton, Ontario, who is once again representing Canada after switching allegiance to the United States following the 2022 Olympics, clocked a two-run time of 57 minutes .17 seconds Thursday.
The final two races are scheduled for Friday.
“I’ve only done two races here in Winterberg,” Clarke said. “I had two great starts and I think my races were both consistent. But the fact that I’m in the lead here is a total surprise to me too.”
One of skeleton’s rising stars, Clarke won the under-20 world title in Winterberg and placed 10th in her World Championships debut last season while representing the United States.
She won silver at a World Cup stop in Whistler, British Columbia, in 2022.
Britain’s Tabitha Stoecker was 0.03 seconds behind Clarke, while 2022 Olympic champion Hannah Neise of Germany was 0.06 seconds off the pace in third.
Jane Channell of Calgary was seventh in 1:57.38 and Mirela Rahneva of Ottawa was ninth in 1:57.43.
World Cup leader Kimberley Bos of the Netherlands led after the first run, but struggled early in her second run and dropped to 11th.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published in February. 22, 2024.
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