Sam Edney and Alex Gough defended National Titles Whistler (pps) Alex Gough and Sam Edney have defended their titles at the Canadian Luge Championships at the Whistler Sliding Centre. The 28-year-old Edney, who will be counted on to lead the men’s program to the 2014 Olympics, captured his second national title. Alex Gough, who had another dream season last year becoming the first Canadian to win a Viessmann Luge World Cup at home, collected her sixth title. Arianne Jones captured the silver medal. Kimberly McRae, 20, rounded off the women’s podium finishing third. Edney was joined on the podium by 17-year-olds Mitchell Malyk and John Fennell. The Viessmann Luge World Cup season kicks off November 24-25 in Igls, Austria. Canada will play host to the 2013 World Championships at the Whistler Sliding Centre, February 1-2, 2013.