India Sherret stood on top of a World Cup podium for the first time on Feb. 2 at the ski cross World Cup in Alleghe, Italy. In her 53rd World Cup start, the Cranbrook native picked up her inaugural victory and her third career podium.
Sherret won both her heats and led the big final from starting gate to finish line.
“Today is one of those days that makes all the hard work pay off,” said Sherret in a press release. “There’s been some crashes and some injuries over the last four years since my last podium [in December 2019], and I’m proud and thankful to be here. I am very grateful for everyone who kept believing in me, the team, my family and friends and my sponsors.
“The starts were going great today. I tried to focus on being quick and being loose, and then carrying that speed through the rest of the run and really attacking it. There are so many emotions I don’t really know what I’m feeling, but it does feel amazing!”
Marielle Thompson found consolation in a small final win that placed her fifth overall. Close behind her was Brittany Phelan (Mont-Tremblant, Que.) in sixth and World Cup points leader Hannah Schmidt (Ottawa, Ont.) in seventh. Abby McEwen (Edmonton, Alta.) brought up the rear in 11th.
Chilliwack resident Reece Howden also prevailed in his small final to lead all Canadian men. Carson Cook (Edmonton) found himself in seventh, ahead of Kevin Drury (Toronto, Ont.) in 10th and Jared Schmidt (Ottawa) in 20th. As a result, Howden wrests top spot in the FIS rankings away from Schmidt.
Team Canada's ski cross athletes race Alleghe once more on Saturday.
