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In the competitive realm of ski cross, Canadian athlete Reece Howden has established an impressive track record. On a recent Sunday in Innichen, Italy, he secured his third consecutive World Cup victory, bringing his total to 21 gold medals. This accomplishment not only highlights his exceptional skill but also marks a pivotal moment in the history of men’s ski cross.
Howden’s path to victory was fraught with challenges. Competing against elite athletes such as Florian Wilmsmann from Germany and France’s Evan Klufts, he faced significant hurdles that tested his endurance and focus. Reflecting on his performance, Howden acknowledged the fatigue from earlier races. “Today, the legs were obviously a little more tired than yesterday. It was a battle [but] I tried my best to be focused,” he stated to the International Ski and Snowboard Federation.
A dominating presence in ski cross
Howden’s recent victory underscores his relentless determination and skill. He previously triumphed in both Innichen and Arosa, Switzerland, demonstrating his consistency and ability to perform under pressure. “I’m stoked to have reached a new speed level in Innichen. It was paramount,” he remarked, particularly noting the competitive presence of Wilmsmann, who posed a significant challenge during the race.
Breaking records and setting standards
Earlier in the week, Howden made headlines by becoming the winningest male ski cross racer in World Cup history, a remarkable achievement he humbly recognized. “I was a bit nervous thinking about the record,” he admitted following his historic win in Arosa. As the defending Crystal Globe champion, he has set a high benchmark, capturing seven gold medals during the 2025-26 season. Currently, he leads the FIS Ski Cross World Cup standings, underscoring his dominance in the sport.
In the men’s small final on Sunday, fellow Canadian Kristofor Mahler finished in second place, while the women’s competition saw Hannah Schmidt and Brittany Phelan securing third and fourth places, respectively. These performances highlight the expanding talent pool within Canadian ski cross.
Future competitions and Olympic aspirations
Looking ahead, many are questioning whether Howden can replicate his success on the Olympic stage. With the Milan-Cortina Olympics on the horizon, fans are eager to see if he can overcome the challenges that previously hindered his performance at the 2025 Beijing Winter Games, where he was eliminated in the quarterfinals—a setback that fuels his determination to excel this time around.
Overcoming past challenges
Despite facing difficulties at the World Championships, where he has yet to secure an individual medal, Howden’s recent performance suggests a promising trajectory. He has shown resilience and a commitment to improvement, evidenced by his swift recovery from a slow start to the 2025-26 season, where he initially placed fifth and 25th in France before making a remarkable comeback.
As the ski cross community watches closely, one thing is clear: Reece Howden is not just a competitor; he is emerging as a significant figure in the sport. With each race, he continues to raise the bar for excellence in ski cross and inspire a new generation of athletes.