Marielle Thompson posts 32nd career win in ski cross World Cup opener

Marielle Thompson has started another ski cross season the way she finished the 2023-24 World Cup campaign – on top.

Thompson made it 32 victories among her 68 medals on the circuit with Thursday's win in the women's big final over Switzerland's Fanny Smith at Val Thorens in Savoie, France. Daniela Maier earned bronze.

"After all the training and preparation this summer it's really satisfying to get a result like this," said the two-time Olympic medallist from Whistler, B.C.. "It was tough, tight racing today and I focused on sticking to my plan and not making too many mistakes."

On March 23, the 32-year-old topped the women's standings for a fourth season, tied for the all-time lead.

She recorded six victories, defeating Marielle Berger of France in the final race of the season in Idre Fjäll, Sweden.

WATCH | Thompson topples Smith for season-opening win:

Whistler's Marielle Thompson opens World Cup ski cross season with a gold medal

10 days ago

Duration 5:10

Marielle Thompson of Whistler, B.C., won her 32nd World Cup ski cross title, in the season-opening event at the Val Thorens ski resort in Savoie, France.

India Sherret, from Cranbrook, B.C., won Thursday's small final to finish fifth overall, while Ottawa's Hannah Schmidt was eighth.

Kevin Drury was top Canadian on the men's side, taking bronze in the big final behind Italy's Simone Deromedis and Florian Wilmsmann of Germany.

It's the Toronto athlete's 14th career World Cup podium, but first since January 2022.

"This feels absolutely incredible," said the 36-year-old Drury, who raced for the first time since sustaining a knee injury in February. "To think that just a few months ago I was on the fence about retiring. My knee felt awesome today and I had a feeling that if my body felt good that I could ski like I used to."

WATCH | Drury picks up big final bronze in Val Thorens:

Toronto's Kevin Drury opens World Cup ski cross season with a bronze medal

10 days ago

Duration 4:37

Toronto's Kevin Drury finished third while teammate Reece Howden of Cultus Lake, B.C., finished fourth, in the season-opening event at the Val Thorens ski resort in Savoie, France.

Reece Howden of Cultus Lake, B.C., with two Crystal Globes on his resume, placed fourth.

Another set of races is scheduled for Friday in Val Thorens before the circuit continues with races Monday and Tuesday in Arosa, Switzerland.

There are 18 races on this season's schedule, including Craigleith, Ont., with the world championships March 22 and 23 in St. Moritz, Switzerland.