Canada's Marielle Thompson earns 4th Crystal Globe in women's ski cross
Won big final to secure season title; B.C.'s Reece Howden 2nd in men's standings
Marielle Thompson of Whistler, B.C., has topped the women's ski cross World Cup standings for a fourth season.
She posted her sixth victory of the 2023-24 campaign on Saturday, defeating Marielle Berger of France in the big final in Idre Fjäll, Sweden. Thompson said she had clinched the Crystal Globe before reaching the start line.
Brittany Phelan of Mont-Tremblant, Que. was third in Saturday's race, her fourth consecutive medal podium finish and 20th of her career. She was also third in the season standings.
"This season hasn't been that easy," said Thompson, whose four titles are tied for most all-time. "To come away with my fourth Crystal Globe is cool and special.
"My crash in seeding on Thursday was another struggle. We have a great team and they got me healthy enough to be able to race this weekend. I love Idre, this place is special and the people are special."
Thompson entered Saturday with a 67-point edge over Berger. The Canadian added she was more relaxed in Saturday's small final after learning before the race she had clinched the overall season title.
The two-time Olympic medallist won Friday's small final and placed fifth overall.
WATCH | Thompson wins final race of the season, claims Crystal Globe:
Thompson, 31, led the way in Veysonnaz, Switzerland a week ago with her fifth gold in a seven-race stretch. Teammates Brittany Phelan and India Sherret collected silver and bronze for the second Canadian sweep of the medal podium.
"Canada has been spectacular all season," Thompson said. "Some teammates are at home injured [and] they were a big part of [our success]. We're thinking of them. Everyone rallies together and you saw with the results today — four in the top eight — and that was special."
Thompson has 31 career victories and 67 podium finishes in 136 World Cup starts. She was also an Olympic gold medal winner in 2014 and world champion in 2019.
WATCH | Thompson explains what the overall title means to her:
Tiana Gairns of Prince George, B.C., took the small final at the last competition of the season on Saturday while Sherret, a native of Cranbrook, B.C., was third and seventh overall.
Phelan and Sherret finished 1-2 in Friday's big final.
On the men's side, Reece Howden, of Chilliwack, B.C., was second in the men's event and was also second in the overall standings in his quest for a third career title.
"Feel like I did all I could today and I'm happy with my skiing," said Howden. "David [Sweden's David Moabaerg, the overall champion] skied great today and earned the Globe.
"Overall I'm happy with my season. I feel like I missed a couple of opportunities to get some important points but I battled hard and I'll come back stronger next season."
Also Saturday, Canada captured the Nations Cup, presented annually to the country that tops the FIS standings. This marks a third straight title for the Canadian team and its 11th in the 17 years the championship has been presented.
WATCH | Howden narrowly captures silver medal:
