Calgary, AB. (Jan 20, 2024) — It was as special day for Canada at the redtag.ca FIS Ski Cross World Cup at Nakiska, Alberta, with Hannah Schmidt (Ottawa, ON) winning the women’s race and Reece Howden (Chilliwack, BC) taking the men’s race. It’s the first time Canada has topped the men’s and women’s podium on the same day at a World Cup ski cross race at Nakiska in nine attempts. Marielle Thompson (Whistler, BC) finished second in today’s women’s race to give Canada three of the six podium positions.
This is Schmidt’s second win this season, third podium, and continues a string of top five finishes at all three races this season. Today’s result moves her into fourth in the season standings.
“It’s awesome coming down with the home crowd cheering, I don’t think there’s anything like it in the world,” said a smiling Schmidt. “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. “Very special to share our 1-2 with Canada.”
This is Howden’s first win of the season, his third career World Cup win in Canada and the 10th World Cup win of his career. The two-time Crystal Globe winner sits third in the season standings and has narrowed the gap on the leader Jared Schmidt (Ottawa, ON) who placed 18th today.
“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. “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 today with India Sherret (Cranbrook, BC) finishing sixth and Brittany Phelan (Mont-Tremblant, QC) placing seventh. Abby McEwen (Edmonton, AB) was 11th
and Emeline Bennett (North Vancouver, BC), placed 14th in her World Cup debut.
On the men’s side, Kevin Drury (Toronto, ON) was 17th, Jared Schmidt (Ottawa, ON) 18th and Carson
Cook (Edmonton, AB) 28th.
Next races: (link to FIS Calendar)
- Ski cross wrapped up in Nakiska on Sunday
- Men alpine race SL in Kitzbühel (AUT)
- Women alpine race SL in Jasna Jan 21
- Para-alpine are in Veysonnaz (SUI) Jan 22 through 25
- Men alpine race two SG’s in Garmish-Partenkirchen (GER) Jan 27 and 29
Follow Canada’s Ski Team this season on Alpine Canada’s website, across our social media accounts and
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