Canadians decisively defended home soil in Nakiska on Jan. 20, occupying three of six available podium positions.
Hannah Schmidt and Marielle Thompson went one-two in the women's race, while Reece Howden prevailed in the men's contest. It’s the first time Canada has topped both the men’s and women’s podiums on the same day at a World Cup ski cross race at Nakiska in nine attempts.
“It’s awesome coming down with the home crowd cheering. I don’t think there’s anything like it in the world,” said a beaming Schmidt in a press release. “Mar and I battled in the semis and the finals and it’s amazing to stand on the podium with her.”
“It’s sweet to see Hannah get the win today,” added Thompson, Whistler's two-time Olympic medallist. “Very special to share our 1-2 with Canada.”
This is Schmidt’s second victory and third medal this season. The Ottawa native continues a string of top-five finishes at all three races this season.
Results roundup
Howden, meanwhile, has the third World Cup win in Canada, which is also his first this season and the 10th of his career. The Cultus Lake resident is the incumbent FIS Crystal Globe champion.
"The start of the season had some ups and downs, but I always felt like the foundation was there and today was the day,” said Howden in a release. “I just kept building confidence with every heat today and by the end I was feeling really strong in the start. It means a lot to win here and to share it with everyone.
"It’s more than my success, it’s shared with all the volunteers who worked so hard this week and to be able to perform in front of family and friends is very rewarding.”
Canada’s women took four of the top eight spots last Saturday with India Sherret (Cranbrook, B.C.) finishing sixth and Brittany Phelan (Mont-Tremblant, Que.) placing seventh. Abby McEwen (Edmonton, Alta.) was 11th and Emeline Bennett (Whistler) ended up 14th in her World Cup debut.
On the men’s side, Kevin Drury (Toronto, Ont.) was 17th, Jared Schmidt (Ottawa) 18th and Carson Cook (Edmonton) 28th.
