Chilliwack native Reece Howden solidified his status as one of Canada’s top young skiers, placing 14th in the K1 giant slalom at last weekend’s Whistler Cup event.
Into its 18th year, the Whistler Cup is an international event organized by the Whistler Mountain Ski Club and hosted by Whistler Blackcomb. It is the largest and most important ski race for athletes ages 11 to 14 years old, drawing skiers from 25 countries.
Howden, who trains with the Apex Ski Club in Penticton, competed in three disciplines. Representing Canada, his time of 58.94 seconds in the K1 giant slalom placed him 2.51 seconds behind the winner, China’s Kai Horwitz. Horwitz blazed down the course in 56.43s to edge second place Tomas Varjassi (Slovakia, 56.67s) and third place Peter Moe-Lange (Denmark, 56.97s).
Howden had less success in his other races.
The teenager didn’t finish his first run in the men’s slalom.
He placed 54th in the men’s kinder kombi race with a time of 52.20s.
Howden earned his Whistler Cup ticket by placing third in the K1 provincials.
“He performed beyond my expectations,” said Howden’s coach, Jorgen Anderson. “He is so consistent.”
