After a somewhat slow start to 2023-24 by her own high standards, Marielle Thompson is back on top.
Thompson raced like the two-time Olympic medallist and three-time Crystal Globe champ she is on Sunday in St. Moritz, Switzerland, prevailing in each of her heats en route to the 26th World Cup triumph of her career. It is the 62nd medal on the Whistlerite's decorated ski cross resume (achieved in 128 starts) and her first gold of the present campaign.
Thompson now occupies third spot in FIS season rankings, 62 points behind overall points leader Hannah Schmidt who earned bronze in St. Moritz. Earlier this month, Ottawa native Schmidt became the first Canadian woman since Thompson to put together consecutive victories on home snow in Nakiska.
“I’m super excited to be on top of the podium,” said Thompson in a press release. “It’s been a tough season as I just haven’t had the results that I’m looking for, even though my skiing has been there all year. This brings me some confidence and I’m stoked to come back here for World Championships.”
Brittany Phelan (Mont-Tremblant, Que.) took the small final to end up fifth. Abby McEwen (Edmonton, Alta.) finished seventh, India Sherret (Cranbrook, B.C.) 12th and Emeline Bennett (North Vancouver, B.C.) 13th.
Meanwhile, Reece Howden led Canada in men's ski cross. The Chilliwack resident's fourth-place effort grants him runner-up position in FIS standings behind compatriot Jared Schmidt (Ottawa).
Whistler's own Nicholas Katrusiak delivered a career-best 15th in just his third World Cup event, while Gavin Rowell (Prince George, B.C.) was 30th and Carson Cook (Edmonton) found himself in 32nd.
"I went in with no expectations and came out with a new personal best that I am very proud of," said Katrusiak on social media. "Thank you everyone!"
Canadian ski cross athletes next travel to Alleghe, Italy, for competitions on Feb. 2 and 3.
