Reece Howden Makes History with Third Consecutive World Cup Victory

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In the thrilling world of ski cross, Reece Howden of Canada has emerged as a formidable contender. Competing on a challenging course in Innichen, Italy, he recently marked his third consecutive victory in the World Cup series, bringing his career total to 21 wins. This achievement underscores Howden’s exceptional skills on the slopes and distinguishes him as the most successful male skier in the sport’s history.

Following a slow start to the season, with finishes of fifth and 25th in earlier races, Howden has regained his momentum. His latest victory solidified his recent success, extending his record to seven wins in just ten races. This remarkable feat allowed him to surpass the previous records held by renowned athletes such as Jean-Frédéric Chapuis and Thomas Kraus of the Czech Republic.

Howden’s historic performance

Howden’s journey to victory in Innichen was challenging. Facing competitors like Florian Wilmsmann from Germany and Evan Klufts from France, Howden had to push himself to maintain his lead. “Today, my legs were clearly a bit more fatigued than yesterday,” he remarked after the race. “It was a battle, but I focused on doing my best.” His performance was particularly noteworthy given that he was coming off back-to-back wins and aimed to further establish his legacy in the sport.

Overcoming challenges

What enhances Howden’s achievement is his ability to elevate his speed on a demanding track. With four wins in Innichen, he expressed enthusiasm about reaching a new level of speed, especially as competitors like Wilmsmann vied for the inside lane. “Today’s racing was intense, and I want to give a shout-out to my competitors for their efforts,” said Howden. “This track is tough, but it’s also a lot of fun.”

Before clinching his third consecutive victory, Howden also triumphed over his Swiss teammates, Alex Fiva and Tobias Baur, the day prior. His capability to perform effectively under pressure has characterized his recent outings, highlighting his determination and mental resilience.

Looking ahead to the Olympics

As Howden celebrates his current successes, the upcoming Milan-Cortina Olympics approaches. At 27 years old, he faces the crucial question of whether he can transform his World Cup triumphs into Olympic success. Having experienced disappointment in the past—eliminated in the quarterfinals during the 2025 Beijing Winter Games and lacking an individual medal in prior world championship appearances—Howden is now more driven than ever.

Performance of other Canadian athletes

In addition to Howden’s remarkable achievements, other Canadian athletes showcased their talents in Innichen. Kris Mahler from Canmore achieved sixth place, his best result of the season, while Kevin Drury from Toronto finished 11th and Jared Schmidt from Ottawa placed 13th. Schmidt previously held the record for the most consecutive wins by a Canadian male skier.

On the women’s side, Hannah Schmidt led the Canadian women with a season-best seventh place. Meanwhile, Brittany Phelan from Mont-Tremblant secured eighth place, adding to her impressive tally of four top-10 finishes this season.

Women’s competition highlights

The women’s competition saw Sandra Näeslund of Sweden continue her dominance, securing her eighth World Cup victory in Innichen. This win further solidified her position at the top of the overall season standings, marking her 43rd World Cup win and her 14th podium finish in the iconic Italian village.

After a challenging competition, Näeslund expressed mixed feelings about her performance, stating, “I felt a little disappointed, but at the same time, I’m happy with how the race unfolded. The other competitors skied exceptionally well, and it was a fierce battle.”