Canada’s Reece Howden continues to carve his name into the annals of ski cross history, setting a new World Cup record with his 19th gold medal. The Cultus Lake, B.C., native’s latest triumph comes following a thrilling performance at the Nakiska Ski Resort in Kananaskis, Alta., pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in this adrenaline-fueled winter sport.

Record-Breaking Performance

Howden’s victory not only marked his first podium of the season but also the 31st of his illustrious career. His achievement puts him one ahead of previous record-holder Jean-Frédéric Chapuis of France. “It was really hard, and I knew that if I just accepted the feelings and focused on what I could control, hopefully it would work out and it did,” Howden said in a post-race interview.

Howden’s Gratitude and Drive

Reece Howden went further to express his appreciation for the competition he faced, particularly the benchmark set by Jean-Frédéric Chapuis. “Firstly I just want to say a huge shout out to Jean-Frédéric Chapuis. He set an amazing benchmark and I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to compete with him and take this mark and push it higher,” said Howden.

Tailored for Success

Howden attributed his winning streak to his love for the sport and a track that he feels is tailored to his strengths. “I think it’s just tailored to my genetics,” he said. “I really like the fight that the start has. It excites me. This is one of the reasons I love ski cross.”

World Cup Standings

In the overall standings, Italy’s Simone Deromedis remains in the top spot after winning the small final ahead of Germany’s Cornel Renn, France’s Youri Duplessis Kergomard, and Ottawa’s Jared Schmidt.

Women’s Race

In the women’s race, Sweden’s Sandra Naeslund claimed gold, Germany’s Daniela Maier secured silver, and Switzerland’s Fanny Smith took home bronze. Courtney Hoffos of Invermere, B.C., secured a respectable eighth-place finish.

The World Cup tour is set to continue this weekend in Innichen, Italy, where the athletes will once again test their mettle on the slopes. As fans look forward to more thrilling ski cross action, all eyes will certainly be on Reece Howden as he continues to redefine success in the sport.

Ethan Radcliffe

Ethan Radcliffe is a senior reporter and digital editor at The Toronto Insider, specializing in Canadian federal policy, GTA urban development, and national economic trends. With over a decade of experience in North American journalism, Ethan focuses on translating complex legislative and economic developments into clear, accessible reporting for Canadian readers. Ethan’s work emphasizes policy analysis, government accountability, and data-driven reporting, with a strong focus on how federal and provincial decisions impact communities across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond. He has covered infrastructure planning, housing policy, fiscal strategy, and regulatory changes affecting Canadian households and businesses. A graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Journalism, Ethan brings expertise in investigative reporting, long-form analysis, editorial standards, and digital publishing best practices. His reporting is guided by verifiable sources, public records, and transparent sourcing. In addition to reporting, Ethan has experience in newsroom editing, fact-checking workflows, SEO-informed journalism, and audience analytics, ensuring stories meet both editorial integrity standards and modern digital discoverability requirements. Ethan is committed to objective, fact-driven journalism and adheres to established ethical guidelines, prioritizing accuracy, clarity, and public trust in all reporting.

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