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With a fourth season title secured, ski cross racer Reece Howden could have shown up for Sunday’s World Cup season finale and put in a solid effort before returning home to Canada.
But that isn’t Howden. He’s incredibly competitive and wants to win each race.
“I love racing, I love head-to-head [competition],” the native of Cultus Lake, B.C. told the International Ski and Snowboard Federation on Sunday after capturing a silver medal in Gällivare, Sweden.
“I love to win but I hate to lose, and I hate to not reach my potential.”
Simone Deromedis, who won Olympic gold last month in Milan, took the lead early in Sunday’s race. However, Howden caught up to him in the final turns of the course, but lost in a photo finish.
Deromedis’s Italian teammate, Edoardo Zorzi, didn’t finish the competition along with Kilian Himmelsbach of Germany.
Reece Howden of Chilliwack, B.C. claimed his second World Cup ski cross silver medal of the weekend in Gällivare, Sweden.
Howden also claimed silver in Saturday’s race behind Sweden’s David Mobaerg.
“Fortunately,” Howden said, “my potential usually ends with quite a bit of success. As long as I’m trying to do my best and holding myself accountable, that’s where I find the most success.”
Howden finished his seventh season on the World Cup circuit with 11 podium finishes across 16 events, including six victories.
Last weekend, he placed ninth near Collingwood, Ont., but earned enough points to claim his second consecutive Crystal Globe as season champion.
Howden finished with a 311-point lead over Deromedis.
The 27-year-old Howden pointed out he wouldn’t be successful without an “awesome” support team, including his parents Alex and Nancy.
“I’ve been working really hard for this moment,” he said. “The highest of highs and lowest of lows this [season], for sure. I’m impressed how I was able to come back from those lows.
Reece Howden of Chilliwack, B.C. caps off World Cup season with two silver medals and presented with his fourth career Crystal Globe trophy in Gällivare, Sweden.
Mindset, hard work keys to success
“[My] consistency [has been] unreal. Excited about finishing this season strong and healthy.”
Howden went on to explain that mindset and work ethic are the keys to his success.
“I’ve been fortunate to find a good mindset. Having the strength that, fortunately, mom and dad gave me and capitalizing on that, has made a huge difference.”
Howden is anticipating a “good” 2026-27 season and looks forward to slowing down upon returning home.
Reece Howden of Chilliwack, B.C. awarded the Crystal Globe trophy after claiming the overall World Cup ski cross title in Gällivare, Sweden.
“Get back to the ranch, spend time working with horses and riding,” he said. “We’ll see if we have a bit of winter left. Maybe I’ll do some skiing and some sledding [snowmobiling].”
In the men’s small final on Sunday, Jared Schmidt of Ottawa prevailed and placed fifth overall, while teammate Kristofor Mahler was 21st.
Schmidt’s sister, Hannah, finished sixth in the women’s competition after being eliminated in the semifinals.
Marielle Thompson of Whistler, B.C., finished 14th. She was Canada’s co-flag-bearer with now-retired moguls skier Mikaël Kingsbury at the Olympic ceremony in Italy.
Watch the second day FIS Alpine Ski World Cup ski cross races from Gällivare, Sweden.
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