Edmonton’s Abby McEwen wins bronze at World Cup ski cross event on four-medal day for Canadians

From left, Isabelle Zippert of Switzerland, Abby McEwen of Canada, Talina Gantenbein of Switzerland and India Sherret of Canada compete during the quarterfinal of the women's Ski Cross event at the FIS Ski Cross, SX, World Cup in Veysonnaz, Switzerland, Saturday, March 16, 2024. McEwen won bronze Saturday at a 2025 World Cup event in Ontario. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Jean-Christophe Bott/Keystone via AP

Edmonton’s Abby McEwen landed on the podium at a World Cup ski cross event Saturday in Ontario.

She was joined by Reece Howden and Kevin Drury, who returned to the podium Saturday as well as B.C.‘s Courtney Hoffos, on a four-medal day for Canada at a ski cross World Cup at Craigleith Ski Club.

Howden, from Cultus Lake, B.C., finished second behind Germany’s Florian Wilmsmann after taking gold a day earlier. Drury, from Toronto, took his second straight bronze.

In the women’s final, Switzerland’s Fanny Smith won gold ahead of Courtney Hoffos of Invermere, B.C., and McEwen, who took bronze.

“Today was really great. Everybody did so well,” said Howden, who moved within 12 points of top spot in the season standings. “Seeing these two women on the podium was awesome.”

It was McEwen’s first career podium appearance in 57 World Cup starts.

“I’m feeling a lot of gratitude right now,” she said. ”It’s been a journey, and I am so stoked to be on the podium. The conditions weren’t prime today and I just accepted it and made the best of things.”

The ski cross world championships are scheduled for March 22-23 in Engadin, Switzerland.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 15, 2025.