Canada’s Reece Howden wins ski cross World Cup gold in Sweden
In the penultimate finals of the World Cup season in Idre Fjäll, Sweden, Canadian ski cross athletes showcased their talent and determination, coming away with a pair of medals.
Reece Howden, hailing from Cultus Lake, B.C., put on a stellar performance in the men’s big final, securing the gold medal. Italy’s Simone Deromedis and Sweden’s Erik Mobaerg claimed the silver and bronze medals, respectively.
This victory marked Howden’s sixth gold medal of the season, solidifying his position as the overall season points leader with an impressive 938 points. Deromedis is hot on his heels in second place with 905 points, trailing by just 33 points.
On the women’s side, Courtney Hoffos, representing Windermere, B.C., delivered a strong performance, finishing behind Daniela Maier of Germany to claim the silver medal in Idre Fjäll. Switzerland’s Fanny Smith rounded out the podium in the bronze position and secured the Crystal Globe for the overall season title with 976 points.
Unfortunately, Canada’s India Sherret, the second-placed ski racer with 869 points, is sidelined for the rest of the season due to a fractured sternum sustained during the world championships in Switzerland. Maier, with 865 points, was unable to catch up to Smith’s lead, as the maximum points that can be earned in one race is 100.
The Canadian ski cross team’s impressive showing in Sweden demonstrates their skill and determination on the world stage. With one final race remaining in the World Cup season, fans can expect to see more thrilling performances from these talented athletes as they continue to push the limits of their sport.
