Another gold medal for Canada!

Canada' Ashleigh McIvor has won gold today in the women's ski cross.

The event was held for the first time this year.

Canada is now fifth in the overall standings with six golds, four silvers and one bronze.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement:

************************* Prime Minister Stephen Harper congratulates Ashleigh McIvor on Olympic gold medal OTTAWA - Prime Minister Stephen Harper today congratulated Ashleigh McIvor, whose exceptional performance today in women’s ski cross was rewarded with a gold medal at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

“This is another incredibly proud moment for Canada," said the prime minister. “Congratulations Ashleigh on your stellar performance and on your gold medal win.”

Ms. McIvor was born in Vancouver and resides in Pemberton, British Columbia.

This is her first medal in her first Olympic Games.

She is the 2009 world champion in ski cross and has four medals and six top-10 finishes in 13 World Cup appearances.

The 2010 Olympic Winter Games are being held from February 12 to 28.

Canada will be represented by more than 200 athletes who will compete in a 15-sport competition schedule at nine venues in Vancouver, Richmond and Whistler.

More than 5,500 athletes, coaches and team officials from more than 80 countries are participating in these Olympic Games.

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