Thompson defends crown

Marielle Thompson defended her ski cross crown and Tristan Tafel of Canmore claimed his first national men’s title Saturday at the Canadian championships in Nakiska.

“It was a pretty short day, but a good day. I held onto the title — woo!” said the 19-yearold from Whistler, B.C.

India Sherret, 15, of Cranbrook, B.C., was second in Saturday’s women’s final and Whistler’s Sarah Lepine was third.

Tafel edged Dave Duncan of London, Ont., in the men’s final.

Racers wore ‘Ski4nik’ stickers on their helmets Saturday in honour of national team member Nik Zoricic, who died March 10 following a crash at a World Cup race.