Coming off her best result of the season last weekend at the FIS snowboard cross world championships in Switzerland, Meryeta O’Dine of Prince George is back on Canadian snow this weekend in Mont-Sainte-Anne, Que., tracking down the podium in the season-ending World Cup races.
The 28-year-old two-time Olympic medalist in 2022 made it to the big final in the world championships solo race in Engadin and has been turning it on in the second half of the season.
“To be able to have my best result of the season at World Champs is great,” said O’Dine. “I feel excited and a bit refreshed for the last World Cups.
“I think it’s given me some energy knowing I can still get into the top four, and has left me feeling quite motivated to get on the podium. I learned some solid lessons during finals I hope to apply for the final two World Cups.”
The Quebec resort is hosting races Saturday and Sunday (both start at 8 a.m. PDT).
Now ranked 15th in the Crystal Globe points standings with 149 points (tied with fellow Canadian Audrey McManiman), O’Dine finished 10th at a race in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, Feb. 25 and posted two sixth-place results in Gudauri, Georgia, March 8-9.
Now in her 11th season racing at the World Cup level, O’Dine is enjoying the ride.
“I love what I do so much, the training, the ups and downs of competition,” said O’Dine. Most athletes are quite self-critical, and I can fall victim to that when I look at where I currently stand in the World Cup overall. I've been learning a lot this year about how I have to prepare and show up mentally.”
And there’s nothing like competing in her home country, a rare opportunity for Canadians.
“I do enjoy racing at home,” said O’Dine. “Even though we're about 4,500 kilometers away from my home, it brings a very home-like feeling when you're able to have family around, and see your teammates’ families cheer them on. Sharing the experience of a World Cup I think brings the year together nicely.”
Olympic champion Charlotte Bankes of Great Britain is in a furious battle for the Crystal Globe with Lea Casta of France. Bankes, who has won five races this season, holds a 622-605 lead in the points race.
“I expect a big show for sure,” said O’Dine. “There's heavy competition between all of the women, everyone is going to show up ready to continue their success or prove something.”
Armed with the confidence of winning his first world championship last weekend, Canadian Eliot Grondin won’t have any trouble getting motivated to lock up his second-straight points title and he’s hoping history repeats. He wrapped up his 2024 Crystal Globe with back-to-back wins at Mont-Sainte-Anne.
Grondin, 23, of Sainte-Marie, Que., qualified first Friday and leads the standings with 504 points, well ahead of second-place Loan Bozzollo of France (363) and Jakob Dusek of Austria (327).
“Mont-Sainte-Anne is a special one for me,” said Grondin, on the FIS website. “To be able to close out the season at home with my family and friends is amazing, especially after nearly three months in Europe. It definitely gives a boost of energy for the last two races.”
Liam Moffatt of Truro, N.S., was third-quickest in men’s qualifying. He timed in at 57.03, 14-100ths of a second behind Grondin.
Mackenzie native Evan Bichon,26, qualified 21st in the men’s field with his second run (57.18). Colby Graham of Prince George, 23 finished 40th and did not make the top-32 qualifying cut.
Women’s qualifying was still ongoing at the time this story was posted.
