Canada's Marielle Thompson claimed ski cross gold at Milano Cortina 2026, dedicating her victory to injured teammate India Sherret in an emotional tribute.
Thompson dominated the women's ski cross final at the Milano Cortina Olympics, securing Canada's first gold medal in the discipline since Kelsey Serwa's victory in PyeongChang 2018. The 33-year-old from Whistler, British Columbia, controlled the race from start to finish, crossing the line ahead of Switzerland's Fanny Smith and Sweden's Sandra Naeslund.
In a touching post-race moment, Thompson immediately dedicated her victory to teammate India Sherret, who suffered a season-ending injury earlier in the campaign. The gesture highlighted the close bond within the Canadian ski cross team and the sacrifices athletes make in pursuit of Olympic glory.
Canada's Ski Cross Legacy Continues
Thompson's gold medal adds another chapter to Canada's rich history in ski cross. The nation has been a dominant force in the sport since its Olympic debut in Vancouver 2010, where Canada swept both the men's and women's events. Thompson herself won gold at Sochi 2014 before claiming silver in PyeongChang.
The victory at Milano Cortina marks a remarkable comeback for Thompson, who has battled injuries and setbacks throughout her career. Her experience and technical skill proved decisive in the challenging conditions at the Italian venue, where the course demanded both precision and courage.
Emotional Tribute to Injured Teammate
Thompson's dedication to India Sherret resonated throughout the ski cross community. Sherret, a rising star on the Canadian team, had been expected to compete at Milano Cortina before her injury derailed those plans. The public acknowledgment from Thompson underscored the team-first mentality that has become a hallmark of Canadian winter sports success.
Switzerland's Fanny Smith, a three-time Olympic medalist, took silver in what may be her final Olympic appearance. Sweden's Sandra Naeslund, the reigning world champion, rounded out the podium with bronze, continuing her nation's strong showing in freestyle skiing events at these Games.
