Canadian Maelle Ricker captured the gold medal in the women’s snowboard cross event at the Vancouver Olympic Games.
Ricker dominated the race from the beginning with a big jump and led the course from start to finish, giving Canada its second gold medal. Alex Bilodeau won gold in men’s moguls on Sunday.
The 31-year-old athlete, of North Vancouver, finished in front of French Deborah Anthonioz, while Olivia Nobs of Switzerland took the bronze.
Canadian Dominique Maltais, bronze medalist in Torino 2006, had a disappointing second round and did not qualify to the finals, finishing in the 20th place.
American Lindsey Jacobellis, one of the most decorated snowboarders in the world and silver medalist in Torino, won the consolation final.
Ricker’s gold medal is the fifth overall for Canada, with two silvers and one bronze.