Canada's Marielle Thompson earns 4th Crystal Globe in women's ski cross

Marielle Thompson of Whistler, B.C., has topped the women's ski cross World Cup standings for a fourth season.

She posted her sixth victory of the 2023-24 campaign on Saturday, defeating Marielle Berger of France in the big final in Idre Fjäll, Sweden. Thompson said she had clinched the Crystal Globe before reaching the start line.

Brittany Phelan of Mont-Tremblant, Que. was third in Saturday's race and third in the season standings.

"This season hasn't been that easy," Thompson said. "To come away with my fourth Crystal Globe is cool and special."

Thompson entered Saturday with a  67-point edge over Berger. The Canadian added she was more relaxed in Saturday's small final after learning before the race she had clinched the overall season title.

The two-time Olympic medallist won Friday's small final and placed fifth overall.

Thompson, 31, led the way in Veysonnaz, Switzerland a week ago with her fifth gold in a seven-race stretch. Teammates Brittany Phelan and India Sherret collected silver and bronze for the second Canadian sweep of the medal podium.

"Canada has been spectacular all season," Thompson said. "Some teammates are at home injured [and] they were a big part of [our success]. We're thinking of them. Everyone rallies together and you saw with the results today — four in the top eight — and that was special."

Tiana Gairns of Prince George, B.C., took the small final at the last competition of the season on Saturday while Sherret, a native of Cranbrook, B.C., was third. 

Phelan and Sherret finished 1-2 in Friday's big final.

On the men's side, Reece Howden of Cultus Lake, B.C., was second on Saturday and second in the season standings. He boasts three Crystal Globes.

WATCH | Phelan, Sherret go 1-2 on Friday in