While Canada's Ashley MacIvor holds second place on the World Cup circuit, she is still the defending world champion. Ophelie David from France, meanwhile, is a six-time ski cross World Cup title-holder. MacIvor is constantly battling with David for top spot on the international podiums, and that battle reaches a climax on the Olympic hill.
Here is a look at the women's ski cross, which kicks off at 1 p.m. ET on Tuesday:
The Contenders
While Canada's Ashley MacIvor is second place on the World Cup circuit, she is still the defending world champion. Ophelie David from France, meanwhile, is a six-time ski cross World Cup title-holder. MacIvor is constantly battling with David for top spot on the international podiums, and that battle reaches a climax on the Olympic hill.
The Top Five (World Cup rankings)
1. Ophelie David, FRA, 475 points
2. Ashleigh McIvor, CAN, 437 points
3. Kelsey Serwa, CAN, 292 points
4. Julia Murray, CAN, 279 points
5. Fanny Smith, SUI, 242 points
Canadian Medal Hopes
Besides McIvor, there is Kelsey Serwa, who captured the only two World Cup victories of her career in January. Julia Murray may have some troubles getting to the podium because of a knee injury sustained just before the Olympics.
The Dark Horse
With Murray not at full strength, the door is open for 17-year-old Fanny Smith of Switzerland. She beat David at a NorAm Cup ski cross race earlier this month on a course that is similar to Whistler's.
