Calgary, AB, (February 27, 2021) – The Canadian Ski Cross Team ventured east for a weekend of racing in Bakuriani, GEO and Jared Schmidt (Ottawa, ON) took his first big step onto the podium today finishing in third. The course, which was more of a traditional ski cross track than the team had seen recently boasted some big air, high speeds, and lots of terrain. 

For Jared, who is in his first season back from injury, this result is the culmination of hard work on the road to recovery both on and off the snow, and wouldn’t have been possible without teamwork.  

“Today was awesome, it started yesterday we got a bunch of guys into heats, and getting through that first round seemed solid,” Jared said from the finish area. “Having Brady with me all the way through, until he, unfortunately, crashed in the big finals. My first top-16, first podium, I am super stoked right now.” 

Jared was joined in the big final by Canadian ski cross legend, and reigning Olympic gold medalist Brady Leman (Calgary, AB). Brady Leman went down in the big final, he will be evaluated by medical personnel and will receive care and support accordingly.

Marielle Thompson (Whistler, BC), who has had five World Cup podiums this season, battled hard in the stacked big final to finish in fourth. 

“My day was pretty good, I had some good skiing, managed to hold off some passes at the bottom,” Marielle said. “I was happy with my skiing in the big final despite my fourth place and now I’m looking forward to our first-time team event tomorrow.” 

Reece Howden (Cultus Lake, BC) finished 19th on the day but was able to clinch the overall men’s title with two races to go in the season.

“I’m super happy, it’s weird having a not-great day but getting some great news,” Reece said. 

The team now gets ready for the team event tomorrow. The team event is run in a knock-out format and functions as a two-competitor-per-team relay. The gate drops for the second athlete based on the time difference between the first two athletes, and the first team to have both competitors across the finish line in the big final is the winner.

Team Results

Men’s Ski Cross
3rd – Jared Schmidt 
4th – Brady Leman
14th – Chris Del Bosco
19th – Reece Howden
25th – Kris Mahler
33rd – Carson Cook

Women’s Ski Cross
4th – Marielle Thompson
6th – Courtney Hoffos
8th – Tiana Gairns
11th – Zoe Chore
13th – Hannah Schmidt 

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For more information or media inquiries please contact
Whitney Hunter I Manager of Communications 
whunter@alpinecanada.org I 403-471-6032

About Alpine Canada
Alpine Canada is the governing body for alpine, para-alpine, and ski cross racing in Canada, as well as for Canadian ski coaches, providing education, certification, insurance, and compliance with the coaching code of conduct. With the support of valued corporate partners and donors, along with the Government of Canada, Own the Podium, the Canadian Olympic Committee, and the Coaching Association of Canada, Alpine Canada develops Olympic, Paralympic, World Championship, and World Cup athletes to stimulate visibility, inspiration, and growth in the ski community. In 2020/21, Alpine Canada celebrates 100 years of rich tradition in competitive skiing in Canada.