Reece Howden of Chilliwack, British Columbia, and Canadian Olympic gold medalist Marielle Thompson of North Vancouver, British Columbia each won the silver medal in a World Cup ski cross event in Arosa, Switzerland on Monday. For Thompson, who won the gold medal in women’s ski cross at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, it was her 54th World Cup career of a remarkable skiing career. Howden meanwhile has now won 10 World Cup medals.
Thompson won the eighth first round heat, the fourth quarterfinal and second semifinal heats before finishing second to Sandra Naeslund of Sweden in the big final. Daniela Maier of Germany won the bronze medal.
In the men’s event, Howden won his round of 64 heat, the sixth second round heat, the quarterfinals and the semifinals, before being beaten by Terence Tchiknavorian of France in the big final. David Mobaerg of Sweden won the bronze medal.
In the Women’s World Cup Ski Cross standings, Thompson is in second place with 189 points. Naeslund leads with 300 points. In the Men’s World Cup Ski Cross standings, Howden is in fourth place with 121 points. Mathias Graf of Austria leads with 150 points. The medals for Thompson and Howden will give them confidence as they prepare for the 2026 Olympic Games in Milan/Cortina d’Ampezzo.
