Reece Howden of Chilliwack, British Columbia and Canadian Olympic gold medalist Marielle Thompson of North Vancouver, British Columbia each won World Cup ski cross medals in Veysonnaz, Switzerland this past weekend. Howden won a gold medal on Saturday and a silver medal on Friday, while Thompson won a bronze medal on Saturday.
On Friday, Howden placed behind gold medalist Youri Duplessis-Kergomard of France and and ahead of bronze medalist Tobias Baur of Switzerland in the men’s event. Howden won the fourth elimination heat, second quarterfinal heat and first semifinal heat.
On Saturday, Howden placed ahead of silver medalist Tim Hronek of Germany and bronze medalist Melvin Techiknavorian of France. Howden won the first elimination heat, was second to Hronek in the first quarterfinal heat, and won the first semifinal heat.
Also on Saturday, Thompson placed behind gold medalist Daniela Maier of Germany and silver medalist Sonja Gigler of Austria in the women’s event. Thompson was second to Naeslund in the fourth quarterfinal heat and second semifinal heat.
In the World Cup men’s ski cross standings, Howden leads with 533 points. In the World Cup women’s ski cross standings, Thompson is in 21st place with 93 points. Naeslund leads with 610 points.
Howden has now won 35 World Cup men’s ski cross medals (22 gold medals, nine silver medals and four bronze medals). Thompson has won 74 World Cup women’s ski cross medals (36 gold medals, 23 silver medals and 15 bronze medals).
Thompson won the gold medal in women’s ski cross at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi. The gold and silver medal for Howden, and bronze medal for Thompson will give them confidence as they prepare for the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milan/Cortina d’Ampezzo.