Rahneva slides to her first-ever World Cup skeleton podium

December 17, 2016

Mirela Rahneva made her first-ever IBSF World Cup podium, clinching a skeleton bronze in Lake Placid.

Canada’s World Cup rookie ended the skeleton competition in Lake Placid with a combine time of one minute 50:58 seconds, to finish third overall. The event’s title went to Janine Flock of Austria who on in 1:49.77s. The silver medal was award to the Olympic champion from Great Britain, Lizzy Yarnold (1:50.58s).

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After 3 weeks of sliding and a competitive team trials, I am very pleased to have been named to the World Cup tour this year! A huge thank you to everyone who has sent words of encouragement and helped me become the slider I am today! I would also like to thank @truenorthmortgage for joining me on my journey this year. We purchased our home with them a year ago and the partnership is continuing to build. They provided us with the best rates and most friendly service. Thank you for your support. @winsportcanada @bobsleighcanskeleton #canada #sport #athletics #sponsor #support #home Thank you for the photo Dave Holland

A post shared by Mirela Rahneva (@mrahneva) on Oct 25, 2016 at 1:37pm PDT

At the first stop on the circuit in Whistler, Rahneva made her World Cup debut one the remember. The Canadian finished fifth overall in the women’s event registering a start record of 4.79s during her opening run.

Rahneva is currently ranked fourth on the overall World Cup skeleton rankings, one spot behind Canada’s Elisabeth Vathje who won the opening race in Whistler. With two sliders ranked in the top five, Canada is off to a strong start this pre-Olympic season.