December 21, 2005 – After concluding one of the most memorable weeks in the history of Canadian winter high performance sport, Canada passed the United States of America and remained in second place behind new leader Germany in the overall 2005-06 World Cup medals standings.

From the start of the season, through last weekend’s competitions, Canada recorded an additional 20 podium finishes to boost its overall total to 94 (accomplished in a nation-leading 37 events and 11 sports). Germany leads all nations with 103 total medals (34 events and 11 sports), followed by Canada, the United States of America with 93 (35 events and 10 sports), Russia with 58 (24 events and seven sports) and China with 56 (13 events and four sports).

Canada’s current medal haul of 94 in 2005-06 is now 18 ahead of the pace set in 2004-05 and 26 ahead of the pace set in 2003-04.

Prior to December 12, Canada ranked second overall in the number of total 2005-06 World Cup medals won with 74 (accomplished in 29 events and nine sports). The United States of America led all nations with 84 podium finishes (33 events and 10 sports) followed by Canada, Germany with 72 (29 events and 10 sports), China with 51 (13 events and four sports) and Russia with 41 (21 events and seven sports).

The Canadian Olympic Committee’s (COC) findings were compiled using the results of the 71 events on the 2006 Olympic Winter Games program which have been contested on the World Cup or Grand Prix circuit to date. The notable absence of Norway in the top five overall medal standings is due to the fact that several World Cup Nordic events have yet to be contested this international season. The 2006 Games in Turin will feature a total of 84 events in 15 disciplines.

“Canadians from coast to coast received an early Christmas present last week as Canada’s athletes are winning more medals in more events than ever before in the history of winter sport,” said COC Director of International Performance, Alex Gardiner. “It’s rewarding to see Canadian athletes and coaches building off the success and the momentum created through the Fast Track To Turin plan. As we get closer to the opening ceremony in Turin, the Canadian Olympic Committee is becoming increasingly focused on achieving the goal of a top-three finish at the 2006 Olympic Winter Games.”

Last season, World Championship podium performances indicated that Canada was on target to achieve the COC’s goal of a top-three finish at the 2006 Olympic Winter Games after ranking third overall in terms of total medals won at 2005 World Championship events.

Canada’s 2005 World Championship medal tally of 28 trailed only Norway and Germany which captured 33 and 32 medals respectively. The U.S. ranked fourth with 25 while Russia finished fifth with 20.

In 2002, Canada finished fourth at the Olympic Games with 17 total medals after garnering a fifth-best total of 18 medals in 2001 World Championship events.