It's a 1-2-3 finish for Team Canada, and a piece of history to boot.
Marielle Thompson spearheaded a dominant charge for her nation on March 16 in Veysonnaz, Switzerland. The two-time Olympic medallist rode to another golden performance, just ahead of compatriots Brittany Phelan (who snatched silver) and India Sherret (who came through for bronze).
It's just the second time that Canadian women have ever swept a FIS World Cup podium, and the first in 13 years.
Two others wearing a Maple Leaf punched into the top eight as well. Whistler's Tiana Gairns took the small final to place fifth overall in her long-awaited return to World Cup action, and Abby McEwen of Edmonton found herself eighth.
“I’ve never been part of a podium sweep,” said Thompson, who remains atop season standings with five wins in her last seven outings. “I knew we had some good odds with the three of us in the big final and to share the podium with these two gals is very cool.”
“We are a super strong, competitively deep team,” added Phelan in a press release. “Tiana and Abby were right there, battling in the small final. That depth lifts the level every day we train and, in every race, because we know that any one of us could be on the podium on any given day.”
Results roundup
Nick Katrusiak led his own podium sweep just one day later.
The Whistlerite continues his dominance on the Nor-Am circuit with victory in Steamboat Springs, Colo. Runner-up Zachary Reynolds and third-place Garrett Musgrave rounded out the podium for Canada.
"The podium was looking a little dusty this week," quipped Katrusiak on social media after the event. "[Canadian NextGen] boys cleaning up in Steamboat Resort."
With a 2022 concussion firmly in the rearview mirror, Katrusiak has been on fire during his inaugural NextGen campaign. Sunday's result in Colorado represents his fourth gold medal in the last five races.
Meanwhile, Carson Cook (Edmonton, Alta.) was the top Canadian man in Veysonnaz with his seventh-place effort. Reece Howden (Chilliwack) and Jared Schmidt (Ottawa, Ont.) wound up 18th and 20th respectively.
Ski cross World Cup finals take place March 22 and 23 in Idre Fjäll, Sweden.
