Canada dominates ski cross World Cup in Switzerland
Canadian Skiers Dominate World Cup Ski Cross Event
Marielle Thompson led a Canadian sweep of the women’s podium Tuesday while Reece Howden raced to gold in the men’s event as Canada’s freestyle skiers showcased their dominance in the second stop of the World Cup ski cross season.
Thompson, hailing from Whistler, B.C., secured her 33rd career World Cup ski cross gold medal, finishing ahead of India Sherret from Cranbrook, B.C., and Hannah Schmidt from Ottawa.
The 32-year-old Thompson, who also clinched victory in the season-opening race in Val Thorens, France, now boasts an impressive total of 70 podium finishes on the World Cup stage.
“It’s very special, the 33rd win, and to win with my two teammates on the podium as well is super special,” Thompson expressed her joy.
“Last year we did it, and I led that sweep too. Hopefully we can keep this momentum going and have a super strong season for Canada.”
Sherret celebrated her second career gold on Friday during the circuit’s second race in Val Thorens.
Howden, representing Chilliwack, B.C., claimed his first medal of the season by emerging victorious in the men’s big final, surpassing Italy’s Simone Deromedis and Sweden’s David Mobaerg. Ottawa’s Jared Schmidt narrowly missed out on another Canadian medal, finishing fourth.
With Canadian skiers securing four out of the six races this season, they have also earned nine out of a possible 18 podium places, showcasing their prowess on the global stage.
“The team did really well,” Howden praised his teammates. “Everybody was fighting really hard. We kind of made it tough for us with where we were in the brackets, but we optimized it and had five Canadians in the two big finals.”
Howden dedicated his remarkable victory to a late friend, stating, “I had wanted to dedicate one of these wins to Carter Rushton from back home, one of our good friends that passed to bone cancer.”
The World Cup ski cross season progresses with upcoming races on Friday and Saturday in Innichen, Italy.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on December 17, 2024.
