To say that Canada's ski cross unit took care of business in Arosa, Switzerland would be an understatement.
Reigning Crystal Globe winner Marielle Thompson is off to a flying start with her second gold medal in three events. India Sherret (just a week removed from her second-ever World Cup breakthrough in Val Thorens, France) grabbed silver, and Hannah Schmidt rounded out the sweep with bronze.
Before Tuesday's night race, a Facebook memory reminded Thompson of her inaugural World Cup appearance in Innichen, Italy.
She said to reporters: "It was 14 years since my first World Cup, so to have a win tonight is super special and to lead these girls who are also skiing super fast is great for Canada. We're going to keep it firing for the rest of the season.
"To have Reece win too, it's super special. We got to sing ‘Oh Canada’ twice. It's super special to be part of another Canadian sweep. Everyone is skiing super strong."
Thompson now owns four gold medals in Arosa and has been part of two sweeps in 2024. Last March, she and Sherret occupied a podium with compatriot Brittany Phelan in Veysonnaz, Switzerland.
Canada first swept a World Cup ski cross podium in March 2010. Switzerland bore witness to that feat too: Kelsey Serwa prevailing in Grindelwald alongside Ashleigh McIvor and Danielle Poleschuk.
Close...and close enough
Reece Howden and Simone Deromedis went down to the wire, and a photo finish was needed to distinguish them. Ultimately, it was Howden who triumphed for the Maple Leaf, relegating his Italian opponent to runner-up position.
David Mobaerg completed the men's podium for Sweden.
"I'm just stoked to be skiing fast," Howden said in a press release after his 12th World Cup gold. "I think the whole team is ready to roll for the rest of the season, starting now."
Howden’s achievement marked the second straight year a Canadian man won in Arosa, with Jared Schmidt victorious 2023 before finishing fourth in Tuesday’s race.
Team Canada returns to Innichen from Dec. 19 to 21 for more ski cross. To view more results from Arosa, click here.
