Olympic champion Marielle Thompson of Canada secured the third overall title of her career ©Getty Images

Olympic champion Marielle Thompson of Canada secured the third International Ski Federation (FIS) Ski Cross World Cup overall title of her career in style as she won today's women's event in Sunny Valley in Russia.

Frenchman Jean-Frédéric Chapuis also wrapped up the men's overall title despite being eliminated after the first round.

He becomes the first man in history to win three successive Ski Cross World Cup crystal globes.

Thompson won the big final by a slender margin, crossing the line in front of Sweden's Sandra Naeslund and Ophelie David of France, who were second and third respectively.

The trio shot out of the gate before Thompson managed to edge ahead, although Naeslund, who still harboured slim hopes of catching the Canadian in the race for the crystal globe, was hot on her heels.

The Swede eventually overtook the Sochi 2014 Olympic gold medallist, but Thompson roared back and surpassed Naeslund at the last second.

The 24-year-old's triumph came in front of a raucous crowd in the Russian resort, which was playing host to a Ski Cross World Cup event for only the second time.

"I knew I had a fair amount of speed being in Sandra’s draft and I thought maybe I could get her at the line," she said.

"It turns out I was right. 

"It feels good to know I’ve got the globe.

Frenchman Jean-Frédéric Chapuis wrapped up the men's overall title despite being eliminated after the first round ©Getty Images
Frenchman Jean-Frédéric Chapuis wrapped up the men's overall title despite being eliminated after the first round ©Getty Images

“That was kind of what today was all about, having a good race and making it official so I can go to (the next event at) Blue Mountain with less stress.

"So today went perfectly - I’m thrilled.”

The men's event also proved to be a dramatic affair as Arnaud Bovolenta of France picked up the first World Cup win of his career.

Bovolenta took victory ahead of German duo Tim Hronek and Daniel Bohnacker but was injured in a crash with Bohnacker after the finish line.

The German had pulled out all the stops to clinch third place and collided with the Frenchman, who was unable to receive his prize at the medal ceremony as he was carried away from the arena on a stretcher.

Chapuis was able to seal the crystal globe as his nearest challenger, Brady Leman of Canada, also suffered an early exit.

"I was kind of lucky today, with Brady and Alex both going out early, as well," the Olympic champion said. 

"But it’s good that this battle for the globe is over now, because when you get closer to the final there’s always more pressure. 

"But to set the record for most globes in a row, I don’t know what to say."